Cambodia Investment Review
Cambodia’s Techo International Airport (TIA), the highly anticipated new gateway serving Phnom Penh, is set for a soft opening in July 2025, drawing widespread international media attention as a major development expected to strengthen the country’s growing tourism sector.
The project was recently featured in Channel News Asia (CNA), which spotlighted the airport’s role in modernizing Cambodia’s aviation infrastructure and supporting the country’s post-pandemic tourism recovery. International outlets have echoed similar optimism, viewing the project as a strategic investment in Cambodia’s economic future.
The US$1.5 billion airport is a joint venture between the Cambodian government and the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC), with construction led by the China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group. Located 30 kilometers south of Phnom Penh on the border of Kandal and Takeo provinces, the airport covers 2,600 hectares—making it one of the largest infrastructure projects in Cambodia’s history.
Modern Design and Future Expansion
Designed by British architecture firm Foster + Partners, the airport has attracted attention for its innovative architectural concept inspired by Cambodia’s tropical climate and cultural heritage. The terminal is housed under a vast lightweight steel grid shell canopy, filtering natural daylight and illuminating the spacious interior—a feature praised by international media for combining aesthetics with environmental responsiveness.
The project is being developed in three phases. Initially, TIA will handle up to 13 million passengers annually, with capacity expected to expand to 30 million after 2030 and up to 50 million by 2050.
Charles Vann, Director of the Project Steering Committee, expressed confidence in the project’s impact during a recent media tour. “We believe that so many passengers are waiting and they really want to come in to see this new airport,” he said. “The soft opening is scheduled for July 2025, and we expect it will attract significant attention.”
Supporting Cambodia’s Tourism Growth
The Techo International Airport will be Cambodia’s second major aviation project in two years. In 2023, the Chinese-financed Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport opened, enhancing access to the Angkor Wat temple complex—one of the country’s most important tourist attractions.
Both airports form part of Cambodia’s broader strategy to expand infrastructure and boost international arrivals. Tourism remains a vital pillar of the economy. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia welcomed 6.7 million international tourists in 2024, a 23 percent increase from 2023, signaling strong recovery momentum.
International media coverage, including CNA’s report, underscored TIA’s potential to establish Phnom Penh as a regional aviation hub, improve air connectivity, and reduce congestion at the current airport. The facility is designed to meet international standards, supporting Cambodia’s ambitions to diversify its tourism sector and attract more global visitors.
Positive Outlook for the Aviation and Travel Sector
The announcement of the July 2025 launch has been welcomed by global observers and tourism stakeholders, who see the airport as a significant investment in Cambodia’s future.
With capacity to support rising demand, Techo International Airport is set to play a central role in driving tourism growth and economic development. As global travel rebounds, the new airport will further position Cambodia as an attractive destination for both leisure and business travelers while creating new opportunities for trade and investment.
