What Makes the Techo International Airport Cambodia's Largest?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- TIA is the largest airport in Cambodia.
- Investment of $2.3 billion.
- Capacity to handle 50 million passengers in future phases.
- Dual 4-km runway for long-haul flights.
- Strategic hub for economic and tourism growth.
Kandal, Oct 20 (NationPress) The Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, officially launched the Techo International Airport (TIA) on Monday, marking the largest new airport in the Southeast Asian nation.
During the inauguration ceremony, Hun Manet highlighted that the $2.3 billion state-of-the-art airport has taken the place of the former Phnom Penh International Airport, which is now fully closed, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.
He stated, "The TIA is currently Cambodia's biggest airport." Hun Manet expressed confidence that the TIA would serve as a vital driver for Cambodia's economic and tourism development, aiming to lure more investors and visitors.
The 4F-level international airport will enhance both air travel and cargo transport, expanding Cambodia's connections globally.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the airport would evolve into a central hub for passengers and logistics within the kingdom.
As per the Prime Minister, the TIA features a dual 4-km runway, capable of handling long-haul flights and various aircraft types.
Construction on the airport commenced in 2020, with the China State Construction Engineering Corporation overseeing the project.
Developed by Cambodia Airport Investment Co., Ltd, the TIA occupies an area of 2,600 hectares in southern Kandal and Takeo provinces, approximately 20 km from the capital, Phnom Penh.
Pung Kheav Se, Chairman of the Cambodia Airport Investment Corporation, the primary stakeholder in the TIA, noted that Phase 1 includes the construction of a main passenger terminal, airfields, ancillary buildings, and dedicated terminals for general aviation and VVIPs.
He described it as a gateway, an economic driver, and a representation of Cambodia's aspirations.
Kheav Se indicated that the TIA is designed with a long-term perspective, planned in three phases with an initial capacity of 13 million passengers in Phase 1, increasing to 30 million in Phase 2 and 50 million in Phase 3.
Cambodia currently operates three international airports: the TIA, Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, and Sihanouk International Airport.