Techo International Airport officially opened on 9th September 2025, ending 66 years of commercial flights at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH). The new airport is expected to draw attention from both tourists and businesses, giving a boost to Cambodia’s economy and helping the country compete more strongly on the global stage.
Development of the airport and capacity
Built in three stages, the airport is already a major milestone. The first stage, now complete, can handle 15 million passengers a year. If visitor numbers rise sharply, Stage Two could be brought forward, but it is currently scheduled for completion in 2030, with capacity for 30 million passengers. The area around the airport is still mostly undeveloped, but officials hope tourism will drive investment, along with plans for a special economic zone.
A new identity in the skies
Many assumed the airport would take over Phnom Penh International Airport’s old code, PNH. That wasn’t possible because the old airport will still be used for government, military, and private flights. Interestingly, the airport couldn’t take “TIA,” a code some might have expected from its location, because that is already assigned to Tirana International Airport in Albania. Techo International now has the IATA code PKK and the ICAO code VDTK, while PNH will remain for the old airport. For those curious, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) assigns the three-letter codes you see on tickets and luggage, while the four-letter ICAO codes are used by pilots and air traffic control.
Tourist numbers and issues
Despite ongoing border issues with Thailand and wider economic concerns, Cambodia’s tourism remains healthy. In 2024, according to the Ministry of Tourism, over 6.7 million international visitors arrived in the country. In the first five months of 2025, nearly three million tourists arrived, a rise of almost 12 percent compared with the same period last year. Over 40 percent of them came by air, showing just how important a modern airport has become for the country.
Tourism is also diversifying. While Techo International Airport now makes travel easier, historical sites continue to draw interest. In April, thousands visited locations linked to the Khmer Rouge, marking 50 years since the regime, a reminder that Cambodia’s history remains a strong draw for visitors.
Not everyone is convinced the airport was needed though. On social media, many have questioned its distance from Phnom Penh and worries over traffic. Still, locals visiting on opening day were excited and eager to explore!
Cambodia is also facing stiff competition from neighbours. Vietnam has expanded its visa waiver programme, while Cambodia’s $30 visa-on-arrival is less attractive compared with Thailand and China.
To address transport concerns, Phnom Penh City Bus launched an Airport Express Bus. YPT staff tested it on opening day. The journey took about an hour with traffic, and most passengers were locals checking out the new airport.
Getting to the airport
The bus runs every 15 minutes from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm and costs 1,500 riels (around 35 cents). Payment can be made in cash or by QR code. The buses are clearly marked “Airport Bus Express”, making them easy to spot.
Young Pioneer Tours has been running trips to Cambodia since 2017. Staff are permanently based in the country, and their on-the-ground experience gives them unique insights into local life and travel, helping you to get the most out of a tour. Explore our upcoming Cambodia Tours.
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