The Cambodian government has taken a decisive step to enhance the global standing of Techo International Airport (TIA) by establishing a dedicated working group. Chaired by Mr. Phan Phalla, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Economy and Finance, this high-level team comprises 31 members and operates under the directive of Deputy Prime Minister Aun Pornmoniroth, Minister of Economy and Finance.
Formed in late 2025, the primary mandate of this working group is to address and resolve various challenges related to service fees for passengers and aviation services at Techo International Airport. A key objective is to alleviate the burden on businesses, thereby fostering an environment conducive to increased trade, investment, and overall economic activity within Cambodia. Furthermore, the group is tasked with meticulously studying and defining robust mechanisms, alongside proposing sharp, inter-institutional measures, to significantly elevate TIA’s competitiveness. This initiative aims to ensure the airport achieves superior excellence and maximizes its potential to drive growth across critical sectors such as aviation, tourism, logistics, and other related industries.
Techo International Airport, also known as KTI, marks a significant milestone for Cambodia. It is slated for its official inauguration by Prime Minister Hun Manet on October 20, 2025. This grand ceremony will follow more than a month of operational activity, as the state-of-the-art 4F class airport commenced receiving flights on September 9, 2025. Since its operational launch, KTI has fully taken over the role previously held by the former Phnom Penh International Airport (Pochentong Airport), signaling a new era for air travel in the Kingdom.
KTI stands as a historic achievement, born from a collaborative public-private partnership with OCIC, representing an investment of approximately $2 billion. Spanning an expansive 2,600 hectares across Kandal and parts of Takeo provinces, the airport is designed for impressive capacity. During its first phase (2025-2030), located approximately 20 kilometers from Phnom Penh, KTI is projected to handle 13 million passengers annually. This capacity is set to dramatically increase to 30 million passengers per year in its second phase, extending from 2030 to 2050, underscoring its long-term vision and strategic importance.
The presence of the 4F-level Techo International Airport signifies a monumental leap forward in Cambodia’s infrastructure development, showcasing world-class scale and design. Renowned for its innovative and sustainable architectural design, KTI has garnered international recognition, being listed among the world’s 11 most remarkable architectural marvels. This advanced airport is capable of accommodating large, long-haul aircraft, including the Airbus A380-800 and Boeing 747-800. Evaluated by civil aviation authorities, the airport proudly ranks as the 9th best globally among 4F category airports, a testament to its exceptional design and operational capabilities.
Providing broader context, civil aviation reports indicate robust growth across Cambodia’s aviation sector. Throughout 2025, the nation’s three international airports—Techo (Phnom Penh), Siem Reap Angkor, and Sihanoukville—collectively managed 64,821 flight movements (arrivals and departures). This represents an 11 percent increase compared to 2024. Concurrently, passenger traffic surged by 12 percent, reaching a total of 6,988,259 individuals, while cargo volume experienced a significant 21 percent rise, amounting to 93,889 tons. These figures highlight the dynamic expansion of air travel and trade in Cambodia, further emphasizing the strategic importance of Techo International Airport.
