Techo International Airport Marks New Chapter of International Travel in Cambodia

The Techo International Airport (TIA; IATA: KTI) is set to officially begin operations on September 9, 2025, marking a brand new era for Cambodia’s aviation industry.

Located 20–25 kilometres south of Phnom Penh, TIA has been designated a 4F class airport, the highest classification under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), indicating its ability to accommodate the world’s largest aircraft.

The airport is planned to cover a total area of 2,600 hectares, which will make it the 9th largest airport in the world. In its first phase, the airport is launching with a single 4 kilometre runway, 20 boarding gates, and a 118 metre-tall control tower—rated as the sixth tallest in the world.

TIA will also launch with 55 check-in counters—eventually planned to expand to 112—and at least 16 self-check-in kiosks in phase 1, along with the first-ever self-baggage drop system rolled out in Cambodia.

As of September 2025, around 30 airlines have routes established with TIA, with a few newcomers expected to join by the end of the year, including new direct routes to Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways beginning in October, and to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines beginning in December.

Designed by British international architecture firm Foster + Partners, the airport terminal boasts high ceilings that provide an open and unconstricted experience, with plenty of natural light and greenery, and key design elements inspired by Cambodian culture. The unique lattice design of the ceilings, for instance, draws inspiration from the traditional fabrics and woven baskets of Cambodia heritage handicrafts. The terminal’s symmetrical design and careful consideration of how light enters and moves across the building also takes inspiration from Angkor Wat. At both day and night, the airport is described to appear as a “cathedral of light”, with natural light and cozy lighting making it stand out as a visible monument in Takhmao city.

The departures area is open to the public and allows passengers, family and friends, to roam more freely and have a chance to explore the space. A pre-security screening after check-in and before immigration will filter ticket-holding passengers from members of the public, while also ensuring a centralised and one-time screening process, meaning no other screenings will be expected at boarding gates.

TIA hosts a premium shopping experience for passengers with its new duty-free partner, Aelia Duty Free by Lagardère Travel Retail, along with numerous well-known local brands, including Amazing Cambodia, Ucare Pharmacy, Artisans Angkor and Bodia Spa. In terms of the dining experience, passengers can look forward to a variety of well-known local and international outlets, including Starbucks Coffee, Brown Coffee, Malis Restaurant, Burger King, Agong Bakery, Meixin Tea Restaurant, and more.

The last day of commercial flight operations for the current Phnom Penh International Airport is expected to take place on September 8, 2025, after 66 years of operation. With the reins officially passed to TIA on September 9, a brand new age of international travel will begin in the Kingdom with high hopes attached to the greenfield airport’s ability to act as an international tourism gateway and transform Cambodia into a major regional travel hub.