Cambodia is undergoing massive infrastructure development (new Phnom Penh- Sihanoukville highway, new Siem Reap airport) to support its growing economy and position itself as a regional transportation hub.
One of the most ambitious aiport contruction projects currently underway is the new Techo Takhmao International Airport located about 30–40 kilometers south of the capital Phnom Penh in Kandal Province. Slated for completion in 2025, the new Phnom Penh airport will span 2,600 hectares (6,400 acres) making it one of the largest airports in the world. The $1.5 billion project broke ground in 2019 and will replace Phnom Penh International Airport for all commercial international flights when operational.
Techo Takhmao International Airport will be designated as a 4F class airport, enabling it to handle the largest aircraft including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747. Initial capacity is planned for 13 million passengers per year with substantial room to expand. The airport will have 22 aircraft gates in the first phase. While Techo Takhmao takes over international flights, Phnom Penh Airport will be relegated to domestic flights, private jets, military operations and government aircraft.
The new Phnom Penh airport represents a major infrastructure investment that will boost tourism, trade, investment, and connectivity for the capital and Cambodia in a whole. With construction now about 50% done as of late 2023, the airport is a symbol of the country’s modernization and economic aspirations.
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New Phnom Penh Airport | Latest News (updated March 2024)
✈️ Techo Takhmao International Airport is scheduled to open in 2025.
🏗️ As of March 2024, construction is more than 60% complete.
🏗️ A construction of a 60m wide and 13.5km long road, connecting Hun Sen Blvd via National Road 2 to the airport is almost complete.
🚆 A light rail system connecting to the airport has been discussed.
| Features | Phnom Penh Int’l Airport | Techo Takhmao Int’l Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Location | 7 km west of central Phnom Penh | 40 km south of Phnom Penh in Kandal Province |
| Size | 1,000 hectares | 2,600 hectares |
| Airport Class | 4E | 4F |
| Annual Passenger Capacity | 5 million | 13 million (phase 1) |
| Number of Gates | 14 | 22 (phase 1) |
| Airlines Served | International and domestic | International only |
| Construction Timeline | 1930s origins, renovated in 1995 | Broke ground 2019, completion by 2025 |
Comparison of the key features of Phnom Penh International Airport and the new Techo Takhmao International Airport
New Phnom Penh Airport, Location and Size
The new Techo Takhmao International Airport is located in Kandal Province, which borders the southeast outskirts of Phnom Penh. The site sits along National Highway 2 about 30 kilometers from central Phnom Penh.
The massive planned size of the airport is one of its most notable features. At 2,600 hectares (approximately 6,400 acres), Techo Takhmao will be among the largest airports in the world by land area. To put the sheer scale of Techo Takhmao in perspective, here are some comparisons:
- Larger than the country of Macau (18 km2)
- Over 3 times the size of Phnom Penh (800 hectares)
- Nearly the size of San Francisco (29 km2)
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New Phnom Penh Airport Map
New Phnom Penh Airport roadmap
The primary purpose of the new Techo Takhmao International Airport is to replace Phnom Penh International Airport as Cambodia’s main hub for all international commercial air travel. Phnom Penh international airport (PNH) is the busiest airport in Cambodia and handled 6 million passengers in 2019.
The new airport will take over all international passenger flights, allowing the old Phnom Penh airport to focus on:
- Domestic flights within Cambodia
- Military operations
- Private and charter jets
- Flights for diplomats and foreign leaders visiting the country
Techo Takhmao International Airport Funding
The Techo Takhmao International Airport with an estimated cost of $1.5 billion has garnered funding from a diverse group of investors and financial institutions. Notable contributors include Cambodia Airport Investment Co., Ltd. (CAIC), a joint venture between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) as well as several Cambodian banks and life insurance companies which have bought almost $100 million of bonds from CAIC.
Construction Timeline and Progress
The Techo Takhmao International Airport project broke ground in 2019, with completion currently slated for 2025. The construction is being carried out in multiple phases.
The airport is being built by the China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group Co., Ltd (CCTEB). CCTEB is a subsidiary of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), one of the world’s largest construction and real estate companies. CCTEB specializes in infrastructure construction, including highways, bridges, subways, and airports.
Phase 1 Timeline
- 2019 – Groundbreaking
- 2021 – Passenger terminal construction commences
- 2023 – 50% of project completed
- 2025 – Target opening and inauguration
As of September 2023, construction progress stands at around 50% complete overall. Key milestones achieved so far:
- Landside works – Access roads, drainage, etc.
- Airside works – Runways, taxiways, apron
- Passenger terminal – Ongoing, halfway done
- Support facilities – Control tower, fire station, electrical substation
The Techo Takhmao International Airport has the potential to generate major economic and social benefits for Cambodia. Some projected impacts include:
- Boosting tourism – Increased visitor arrivals, revenue, and jobs
- Enabling trade – Expanding exports and foreign investment
- Improving connectivity – Access to new global destinations
- Facilitating business – Ease of travel for deals and partnerships
Conclusion
The Techo Takhmao International Airport stands poised to transform Cambodia’s aviation capabilities and catalyze major economic growth when it opens in 2025.
With an expansive size of over 2,600 hectares, state-of-the-art facilities, and initial capacity for 13 million passengers per year, Techo Takhmao will be one of the largest airports in the world. Its strategic purpose is to take over all international commercial flights currently handled by Phnom Penh Airport.
Rapid progress has been made in the multi-year construction of runways, terminals, and supporting infrastructure. The airport reached 50% completion by late 2023 and is on schedule for inauguration in 2025.
Beyond aviation, Techo Takhmao will generate far-reaching economic and social benefits for Cambodia. From tourism to trade, it promises significantly expanded global connectivity and opportunities.
As a flagship development project, the new airport signifies an important milestone in Cambodia’s growth. It represents a gateway to the future and will elevate the nation as a prime destination for travel, business, and exchange. The ambitious scale and vision of Techo Takhmao International Airport will propel Cambodia to new heights.
New Phnom Penh Airport Photo Gallery
