The construction of Techo International Airport signifies a bright future for Cambodian aviation.
Article Sponsored by:
Northford Structural Connections (NSC) specializes in innovative engineering solutions for enhancing the safety and durability of precast concrete structures. Their patented products, including the Double-Tee Flexible Connection (DTFC) and Double-Tee Connection Pro (DTC Pro), address critical challenges like fatigue, corrosion, and seismic resilience. With a focus on quality and longevity, NSC provides advanced connection systems trusted by industry professionals for both retrofitting and new construction projects.
Techo International Airport (TIA) is poised to begin operations in July 2025, marking a significant milestone in Cambodia’s aviation sector. With an investment of $1.5 billion, the airport is strategically located near Phnom Penh and aims to boost tourism and economic growth. The project, involving a joint venture between the Cambodian government and OCIC, is over 80% complete and has attracted approximately 15,400 workers, with plans to eventually accommodate up to 50 million passengers annually. As the country emerges from the pandemic’s impact, TIA symbolizes hope and development for Cambodia’s future.
As Cambodia gears up for a significant milestone in its aviation history, the highly anticipated Techo International Airport (TIA) is set to commence operations in July 2025. Spanning a vast 2,600 hectares (approximately 6,425 acres), this ambitious project sits strategically at the border of Kandal and Takeo provinces, just 30 kilometers (about 19 miles) south of the capital Phnom Penh.
With a colossal investment of $1.5 billion, Techo International Airport stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between the Cambodian government and the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC). The construction of this airport, which kicked off in 2019, is being executed by the China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group Co., Ltd. under a design framework conceptualized by the renowned British firm Foster + Partners. This terminal is particularly designed to suit the tropical climate, incorporating a stunning overarching roof canopy made from a lightweight steel grid shell, allowing natural light to permeate the terminal space.
The unveiling of Techo International Airport is not merely a construction project; it is a crucial step in reviving Cambodia’s tourism sector, an industry that experienced substantial setbacks during the coronavirus pandemic. Recently, tourism statistics have shown an encouraging rebound, with approximately 6.7 million international tourists arriving in 2024, representing a robust 23% increase from 2023. The TIA will become the second major airport launch in the country within just two years, following the successful opening of the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, which began operations in early 2023, just in time to cater to visitors heading to the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex.
The initial capacity of Techo International Airport is projected to serve 13 million passengers annually, with structured plans for gradual expansion to accommodate up to 30 million passengers by 2030 and soar further to around 50 million by 2050. This ambitious scalability aligns with Cambodia’s vision of transforming its aviation landscape into one of the largest and most modern in Asia. TIA is classified as a 4F airport, distinguishing it as a facility capable of accommodating long-haul flights and large aircraft, including the Airbus A380-800 and Boeing 747-800.
By the end of July 2024, construction of Techo International Airport was reported to be over 80% complete, with cumulative expenditures reaching approximately $1.2 billion. This massive endeavor has brought together about 15,400 workers, of whom around 90% are Khmer nationals, strengthening local employment. The project is systematically being carried out in three phases, ensuring that all necessary features are thoughtfully integrated into the terminal and surrounding infrastructure.
Recent data shows a robust increase in flight activity through Cambodia’s main airports, with over 30,000 one-way flights recorded in the first seven months of 2024—a 13% increase over the previous year. These airports, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, welcomed more than 3 million passengers in total, marking a notable rise of about 20%. Moreover, the aviation sector is thriving, with air cargo volumes exceeding 42 million kilograms, reflecting a significant 44% increase.
More than just an airport, TIA is envisioned as a symbol of peace and development for Cambodia. It showcases the country’s remarkable journey from its war-torn past to an attractive destination for international investment in tourism infrastructure, shedding light on a new chapter of growth and opportunity for the nation. As construction edges closer to completion, the future of aviation and tourism in Cambodia looks ever-brighter, creating anticipation for the grand inauguration planned for mid-2025.
Article Sponsored by:
Since 1974, CMiC has been a global leader in enterprise software for the construction industry. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, CMiC delivers a fully integrated platform that streamlines project management, financials, and field operations.
With a focus on innovation and customer success, CMiC empowers construction firms to enhance efficiency, improve collaboration, and make data-driven decisions. Trusted by industry leaders worldwide, CMiC continues to shape the future of construction technology.
Structural Integrity: Lessons Learned from Connection Failures Structural integrity is the ability of a structure…
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="60px" width="60px" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
