‍PHNOM PENH — Cambodia has entered a new chapter in aviation history with the opening of the Techo International Airport (KTI) on September 9, according to aerotime.aero. The new facility replaces the iconic Pochentong International Airport (PHN), which has been in use for over half a century. 

“Cambodia has actively expanded and upgraded its international airports to meet growing travel demand, enhancing connectivity for travelers,” Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet announced.

Opening in the 1960s, PHN served Cambodia for over 60 years.  However, it closed for the last time on the night of September 8, with the new facility opening up the following day. KTI is set to become the country’s largest airport.

The transition from PHN to KTI represents one of Southeast Asia’s most significant aviation infrastructure developments in 2025. The new airport positions Cambodia as a major player in regional aviation, with KTI designed to handle more passengers and larger aircraft than Phnom Penh International Airport. 

It is capable of handling larger aircraft, including the Airbus A380-800 and Boeing 747-800. This will enable Cambodia to attract international carriers operating wide-body airliners.

Preparing For Growth

The new airport is classified as a 4F-level airport, the highest level in the world, capable of handling more passenger traffic.  

The first phase features a 4-kilometer runway designed to accommodate over 15 million passengers annually by 2025, whilst the second phase is set to increase this to 30 million. Upon completing the three stages, KTI should be able to handle 50 million passengers per year. 

The second phase will see the addition of two more runways, boosting the airport’s capacity to 30 million passengers by 2030. The third and final phase, by 2050, will further expand the airport.

For Cambodia, the transition to Techo International Airport represents a transformation into a modern, globally connected nation. With the capacity to eventually handle 50 million passengers annually, KTI positions Cambodia to become a key player in the Asia-Pacific aviation market, competing with established hubs such as Bangkok (BKK), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), and Singapore (SIN).

‍