TECHO International Airport: A New Era for Aviation and Economic Growth in Cambodia

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – October 20 – Cambodia officially launched the TECHO International Airport this morning, marking a monumental step forward for the nation's infrastructure and economic ambitions. The grand opening ceremony was personally presided over by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN MANET, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

A Class 4F international airport, TECHO International Airport is set to become a key engine driving Cambodia’s economic development and consolidating its peace and prosperity.

In his speech, Hun Manet highlighted the significance of the $2.3 billion airport, which was built entirely with Cambodia's own funds. "This is not just an airport; it is the shared pride of the Cambodian people," he stated, adding that its completion fully demonstrates Cambodia’s independent construction capabilities and new heights of national development. The Prime Minister also emphasized that the airport's operation will significantly promote international passenger traffic, attract more foreign investors, and inject new impetus into the country’s economy.

The project was developed by the Overseas Chinese Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC), authorized by the Cambodian government. Neak Oknha PUNG KHEAV SE, Chairman of the OCIC, noted that the airport was named by Samdech HUN SEN, President of the Senate and Supreme Advisor to the King. With an initial investment totaling US$2.3 billion, TECHO International Airport is the largest and highest-standard aviation infrastructure project led by private capital in Cambodia's history, funded by OCIC's own capital and bonds issued by local financial institutions.

Spanning over 2,600 hectares across Kandal and Takeo provinces, the airport is approximately 20 kilometers from downtown Phnom Penh. This gigantic construction was brought together by leading international firms; including, Foster + Partners (UK), ATKINS (Canada), and Heelim Architects & Planners (South Korea), handled the design and planning. The passenger terminal was constructed by China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group Co., Ltd., with over 20 international companies involved. Its 4,000-meter runway can accommodate all large passenger aircraft, including the Airbus A380-800 and Boeing 747-800, meeting the needs of transoceanic direct flights. The airport's facilities have already been proven, successfully diverting several Cathay Pacific aircraft during a typhoon in Hong Kong.

The new airport is quickly expanding its route network, significantly enhancing connectivity: Etihad Airways which launched its inaugural flight on October 4th and Turkish Airlines is confirmed to launch on December 10th, boosting Phnom Penh's links to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. To solidify its status as a regional hub, the Cambodia Airport Investment Co., Ltd. (CAIC) is investing US$50 million in a second cargo terminal and an additional cargo apron. Furthermore, a partnership with Singapore Airlines Engineering, TECHO International Airport Engineering Services Pte. Ltd., will provide aircraft maintenance and repair services, with plans to establish an aircraft maintenance base serving ASEAN and Asia.

Neak Oknha Pung Kheav Se underscored the human capital investment, noting the project utilized the expertise of over 17,000 Cambodian engineers, architects, and workers and has trained 200 local technical personnel. "This is not just the completion of an airport, but a new milestone in Cambodia's modernization," he concluded. Development of a satellite city surrounding the airport, featuring housing, business centers, and exhibition halls, has already begun, forming an "airport economic zone" set to further boost national development.