Cambodian capital's new airport ready for official operations next month

This photo taken on Aug. 11, 2025 shows the interior of the Techo International Airport in Kandal province, Cambodia. Techo International Airport (TIA), which is the new airport for Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, is ready for official operations on Sept. 9 after the construction has been 100 percent completed, a civil aviation chief said on Monday. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)

KANDAL, Cambodia, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Techo International Airport (TIA), which is the new airport for Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, is ready for official operations on Sept. 9 after the construction has been 100 percent completed, a civil aviation chief said on Monday.

Mao Havannall, minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, said the TIA will conduct a final test flight of the Airbus 320 aircraft on Friday, Aug. 15.

"On Sept. 9 at 7:00 a.m. (local time), we will issue an official document publicly on the operations of the 4F-level Techo International Airport here," he told reporters during a final inspection tour of the airport.

However, the TIA's official inauguration ceremony will be held on Oct. 20 under the auspices of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, he said.

"At this 4F-level new airport, it can accommodate the landing of giant-scale aircraft such as Airbus A380," he said.

Havannall said the TIA is capable of handling up to 13 million passengers a year in the first phase.

Work on the airport project began in 2020, with China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) being the contractor.

Invested by Cambodia Airport Investment Co., Ltd, the 1.5-billion-U.S.-dollar airport has been developed on an area of 2,600 hectares in southern Kandal and Takeo provinces, about 20 km from the capital Phnom Penh.

The TIA is classified as a 4F-level airport, which is the highest level in the world.

Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia chapter, said the new airport will enhance Cambodia's image as a modern and accessible destination.

"Techo International Airport is poised to play a vital role in shaping Cambodia's future, enhancing its global presence and supporting sustainable economic growth," he told Xinhua.

"Improved connectivity will attract more international airlines and travelers, showcasing Cambodia as a key player in the region," Sinan said. ■

This photo taken on Aug. 11, 2025 shows the check-in area of the Techo International Airport in Kandal province, Cambodia. Techo International Airport (TIA), which is the new airport for Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, is ready for official operations on Sept. 9 after the construction has been 100 percent completed, a civil aviation chief said on Monday. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Aug. 11, 2025 shows the security scanning area of the Techo International Airport in Kandal province, Cambodia. Techo International Airport (TIA), which is the new airport for Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, is ready for official operations on Sept. 9 after the construction has been 100 percent completed, a civil aviation chief said on Monday. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Aug. 11, 2025 shows the interior of the Techo International Airport in Kandal province, Cambodia. Techo International Airport (TIA), which is the new airport for Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, is ready for official operations on Sept. 9 after the construction has been 100 percent completed, a civil aviation chief said on Monday. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)