Phnom penh international airport: Operations update 2025

As of July 2025, Phnom Penh International Airport is still operating normally, serving the last passengers before transferring the role of Cambodia's main aviation gateway to Techo International Airport on September 9, 2025. This change marks an important milestone in Cambodia's ambitious aviation industry modernization strategy.

1. General information about Phnom penh international airport

  • Airport name: Phnom Penh International Airport, also known as Pochentong Airport (អាកាសយានដ្ឋានពោធិ៍ចិនតុង)
  • Airport code: PNH
  • Address: 04 National Road, 12406 Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia
  • Distance to city center: 10km
  • Time zone: GMT+7

Phnom Penh International Airport was built in the 1950s under the reign of King Norodom Sihanouk. It is not only one of Cambodia's most important aviation gateways but also a historically significant structure, symbolizing the country's modernization process.

Sân bay Quốc tế Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh International Airport (Source: Internet)

2. Operations status update of Phnom penh international airport 2025

Commercial operations cessation date

According to the Cambodian Government's plan, September 8, 2025, will be the last day Phnom Penh International Airport serves commercial flights and passenger transportation. After this time, all international and domestic civil aviation activities will be completely transferred to Techo International Airport - the new generation airport currently being completed.

This transition is part of phase two of Cambodia's aviation industry modernization strategy, aimed at building a synchronized, modern, and regionally competitive airport system.

New role after ending civil operations

Although closing and ceasing commercial passenger services, Phnom Penh airport will not be demolished or sold to private entities. Prime Minister Hun Manet has confirmed that this infrastructure will be preserved as a historically valuable structure, honoring the legacy of King Norodom Sihanouk - who laid the foundation for Cambodia's aviation industry from the 1950s.

In the future, the airport may be used for the following functions:

  • Backup airport for military operations
  • Supporting small-scale domestic flights
  • Serving private aircraft and charter flights
  • Emergency response or special rescue operations

Sân bay Quốc tế Phnom Penh sẽ hoạt động đến hết ngày 08/09/2025

Phnom Penh International Airport will operate until September 8, 2025 (Source: Internet)

3. Strategic significance and future prospects

The operational transition from Phnom Penh International Airport to Techo International Airport is a crucial step in Cambodia's long-term strategy to enhance competitiveness in the aviation sector.

Promoting the goal of becoming a regional aviation hub: With modern infrastructure, large scale, and superior passenger service capabilities, the new Techo airport is expected to make the capital Phnom Penh a Southeast Asian aviation transit center.

Supporting tourism industry and economic growth: Techo International Airport will play a foundational role in realizing the goal of attracting 4.5-5 million international tourists annually, while supporting the aviation industry's continued contribution of 17% GDP to the national economy.

Sân bay Quốc tế Techo

Techo International Airport (Source: Internet)

4. Techo airport - replacement facility for Phnom penh international airport

Modern 4F class international airport project

With a total initial investment of up to 1.5 billion USD, Techo International Airport is Cambodia's national key infrastructure project, possessing superior operational capabilities compared to the old facility. The airport is designed to accommodate wide-body aircraft such as Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8.

Location and operational scale

Techo Airport is located in Kandal Province (tỉnh Kandal), about 20-30km from downtown Phnom Penh. The entire project covers an area of 2,600 hectares, with the first phase designed to serve 13 million passengers annually. Capacity is expected to be expanded to 50 million passengers by 2050.

Opening date

Techo Airport is expected to officially commence operations on September 9, 2025, completely replacing the commercial role of Phnom Penh International Airport. Airlines, management agencies, and ground service units are in the process of completing infrastructure and operational transfers.

Sân bay Techo dự kiến sẽ chính thức đi vào hoạt động từ ngày 09/09/2025

Techo Airport is expected to officially commence operations on September 9, 2025 (Source: Internet)

The transition from Phnom Penh International Airport to Techo International Airport not only marks a turning point in Cambodia's aviation infrastructure modernization process but also opens up many economic-tourism development opportunities in the region. During the final two months before the transfer, passengers need to closely monitor activity information from both airports to be proactive in their travel schedules.

For quick and accurate updates on the latest information regarding journeys, airport changes, flight procedures, or operational schedules, passengers can visit the official website of Vietnam Airlines.