Cambodian PM opens kingdom's biggest international airport

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet officially inaugurated the Techo International Airport on Oct 20, the kingdom's largest airport, marking a milestone in the Southeast Asian country's aviation history.

"This is a new achievement reflecting Cambodia's long-term development vision," Hun Manet said at the inauguration ceremony joined by First Lady Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet.

Noting that the airport will serve as a driving force to attract more tourists and investors to Cambodia, Hun Manet said the 4F-level international airport would facilitate air travel and air cargo transport, further broadening Cambodia's connection to the region and the world, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Mao Havannall, minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, said the airport is a historic milestone in the development of Cambodia's civil aviation sector.

"It will become a key bridge connecting Cambodia to a broader world and a driving force for Cambodia's economic and tourism growth as well as logistics development," he said, according to Cambodia's national news agency, Agence Kampuchea Press or AKP.

The $2.3 billion world-class airport was developed on an area of 2,600 hectares in southern Kandal and Takeo provinces, more than 20 kilometers from the capital Phnom Penh.

It replaced the old Phnom Penh International Airport, which had been in operation since 1959, before officially ceasing operations on Sept 8, 2025. Hun Manet said the Phnom Penh International Airport will be preserved as a reserve runway for emergency landings or transformed into a public park and aviation museum for the enjoyment and benefit of Phnom Penh residents.