Cambodia welcomes new global gateway with opening of Techo International Airport

Cambodia marked a historic milestone today (September 9) with the inauguration of Techo International Airport (KTI), the nation’s largest aviation infrastructure project and one of the world’s biggest airports by land area.

Strategically located south of Phnom Penh, KTI begins operations as a state-of-the-art hub designed to expand connectivity for travel, trade, and investment. The opening was marked by the arrival of the first commercial flight operated by Air Cambodia, greeted with a traditional water salute.

Developed by Cambodia Airport Investment Co., Ltd. (CAIC) — a subsidiary of Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) in joint venture with the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) — KTI highlights Cambodia’s dedication to infrastructure development and its growing role in regional connectivity. With capacity for 13 million passengers annually in its first phase, the airport is set to transform Phnom Penh into a growing aviation hub, strengthening tourism, expanding trade flows, and enhancing Cambodia’s international connectivity.

To offer international standards at KTI, CAIC has appointed leading partners including Vinci Airports, Lagardère Travel Retail, Newrest, and Singapore Airlines Engineering Company (SIAEC) to manage operations, retail, catering, and aircraft maintenance. These collaborations position KTI to serve regional travelers and gradually expand long-haul routes, laying the foundation for stronger global connectivity.

“Welcoming the first passengers at Techo International Airport is a defining moment,” said Pung Kheav Se, Chairman of OCIC and CAIC. “It creates new opportunities for Cambodia — for visitors, businesses, and investors — and marks the beginning of a new chapter for our country.”

The airport’s launch also coincides with the 25th anniversary of OCIC, the majority shareholder of CAIC, developer of KTI, and one of Cambodia’s leading conglomerates. From real estate and infrastructure to healthcare, education, and industrial zones, OCIC has contributed to Cambodia’s economic transformation for more than two decades, building over 10,000 homes as well as key public infrastructure including bridges, roads, and flyovers. Techo International Airport is the group’s most ambitious project to date — a national symbol with global reach.

The terminal, designed by British firm Foster + Partners, blends Khmer-inspired aesthetics with modern sustainability, featuring bamboo-patterned domes that evoke traditional weaving. At the heart of the terminal, a 9-meter Buddha statue in the Abhayamudra pose greets passengers with peace and protection.