The New Phnom Penh Techo Takhmao International Airport

Techo Takhmao International Airport (Khmer: អាកាសយានដ្ឋានអន្តរជាតិតេជោតាខ្មៅ; IATA: KTI, ICAO: VDTI) will replace the current Phnom Penh International Airport with operations expected to begin in 2025. It is located south of central Phnom Penh in Krong Ta Khmau of Kandal. Locally it’s becoming referred to as simply TIA.

It will replace the Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) as the capital’s airport, becoming the main hub for Cambodia with expectations that it may grow into a regional hub.

Size-wise, in its first phase, the new Phnom Penh International Airport will feature 22 gates, capable of handling large long-haul aircraft, such as Airbus A340/350s while accommodating around 13 to 15 million passengers and 175,000 tonnes of cargo. Phase 2 of construction is expected to see the capacity rise to 30 million passengers by 2030 and after completion of phase 3 in around 2050, rising to 50 million.

Funding & Construction

Cambodia Airport Investment Company (CAIC) is a joint venture between the Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia (RGC) and the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) that raised the financing for the project.

A consortium of Chinese firms under the China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group Co., Ltd is completing construction. As of July 2024, construction is reported to be 100% complete in parts and around 70% complete in other areas with an opening set for 2025.

The airport will be managed by Vinci Airports who is the current operator of the Phnom Penh Airport (PNH), Sihanoukville Airport, and the old Siem Reap Airport (REP).

Design

Designed by the renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners, it aspires to be one of the greenest airports in the world. The project takes a sustainable design approach, combining the latest technology with local craftsmanship and cultural heritage while minimizing running costs. A unique feature is the incorporation of grand pillars topped by an arch, in a hat tip to the barrel-vaulted galleries of ancient Khmer temples. Flooded with natural light, the terminal will be filled with lush greenery, with mature trees rising through the soaring central void and edge planting softening the interiors. The terminal will also be almost entirely run on energy generated by an onsite solar farm. More from Foster & Partners

Getting to and from the New Airport

The airport is located in Krong Ta Khmau of Kandal Province, about 23km south of central Phnom Penh as the crow flies. Hun Sen Boulevard, on the southern side of Phnom Penh, will extend directly south from its junction with National Road 2 and connect to the airport making for easy transport connections via the new airport bus, private shuttle, or taxi.

TIA Airport Express Bus

Regular express buses will run between the airport and the city centre with other routes connecting to suburban areas.

Light Rail

Light rail is expected to also connect the airport to the city at some stage after the airport’s opening. Options including monorail, automated trains, and subway by China Metro Group and Japan International Cooperation Agency being considered according to press reports.

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