Cambodia’s Techo International Airport has completed its first year of operations, marking a major milestone in the country’s aviation and connectivity strategy. From September 9, 2025 to September 9, 2026, the 4F class airport has emerged as a major international gateway for Phnom Penh, successfully completing the transfer of the capital’s air operations while expanding international connections, strengthening operational capacity and gaining recognition on the global stage.
The airport began commercial operations one year ago with Cambodia’s national airline Air Cambodia operating the first flight, K6 611. Since then, TIA has attracted new international airlines, handled millions of passengers and expanded its wider aviation ecosystem. Its growing role comes as Cambodia pursues an open skies strategy aimed at strengthening international connectivity and supporting tourism, trade, investment and broader economic activity.
“Techo International Airport has completed its first year as Cambodia’s major international aviation gateway, demonstrating the country’s growing ambitions for global connectivity. Since operations moved from the former Phnom Penh airport in September 2025, TIA has expanded its international airline network, handled around 2.4 million passengers during the first and second quarters of 2026, and developed supporting aviation services including aircraft maintenance, ground handling, cargo transportation, safety and security. Its ability to accommodate 13 Cathay Pacific aircraft during a major storm also demonstrated its capacity to respond to large scale operational challenges. International recognition from Skytrax and Prix Versailles has further strengthened the airport’s profile, highlighting its architecture, passenger experience and incorporation of Cambodian cultural identity.”
TIA Becomes Phnom Penh’s New International Gateway
The transfer of Phnom Penh’s air transport operations to Techo International Airport was successfully completed on September 9, 2025. The first flight was operated by Cambodia’s national airline Air Cambodia, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the capital’s aviation infrastructure.
Over its first year, TIA has developed into an important entry and exit point for international passengers travelling to and from Cambodia. Its development is closely linked to the country’s open skies strategy, which seeks to strengthen air connectivity and create easier access to Cambodia for international travellers, businesses and investors.
New Airlines Expand Cambodia’s Global Connections
One of the most notable developments during TIA’s first year has been the expansion of international airline connectivity. Etihad Airways launched direct flights from Cambodia in October 2025, followed by Turkish Airlines, which began flights to Phnom Penh in December 2025.
Air Cambodia has also continued expanding its network to Japan and several other important destinations. These new and expanded connections give travellers more options while strengthening Cambodia’s links with major international markets.
For the tourism and business sectors, improved air connectivity can be particularly significant. Direct international flights can make Cambodia more accessible to tourists, business travellers and investors while supporting hotels, travel companies, restaurants, logistics providers and other businesses that depend on international mobility.
TIA Demonstrates Its Operational Capacity
The airport faced an early test of its operational capabilities just days after opening. On September 25, 2025, TIA became a temporary destination for 13 aircraft operated by Cathay Pacific as they diverted to avoid a storm.
The incident demonstrated the airport’s ability to accommodate a large number of aircraft during an emergency situation. Such operational capacity is important for an international airport because aviation networks must be prepared not only for normal passenger traffic but also for unexpected weather and other disruptions.
Passenger Numbers Reach Around 2.4 Million
During the first and second quarters of 2026, Techo International Airport handled approximately 2.4 million passengers. The figure highlights the airport’s growing role in Cambodia’s passenger aviation network during its first year of operation.
At the same time, the aviation ecosystem surrounding TIA has continued to expand. TIA Engineering Services has developed aircraft maintenance capabilities, while other supporting services include ground handling, cargo transportation, safety and security. These services are important components of a modern airport because they support airlines and passengers while creating a broader aviation services environment.
Global Recognition Raises TIA’s Profile
TIA has also received international recognition during its first year. It ranked fifth globally among the World’s Best new Airport Terminals 2026 in the Skytrax World Airport Awards.
The airport was also selected by Prix Versailles as one of the World’s Most Beautiful Airports 2026. The recognition highlights several aspects of the facility, including quality, passenger experience, architecture and the incorporation of Cambodian cultural identity.
For Cambodia, such recognition offers an additional opportunity to strengthen the country’s international image. An airport is often the first major physical impression visitors receive when arriving in a country, making its design, service quality and passenger experience important elements of destination branding.
A Bigger Role for Tourism, Trade and Investment
The development of TIA extends beyond aviation. Stronger international connectivity can support Cambodia’s tourism ambitions by making Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and other destinations more accessible to overseas visitors through a broader network of flights and connections.
The airport can also support business mobility and investment by providing improved international access for executives, entrepreneurs, investors and companies operating in Cambodia. Combined with cargo services and a growing aviation support ecosystem, TIA has the potential to become an important piece of the country’s wider economic infrastructure.
TIA Enters Its Next Chapter
Techo International Airport’s first year has established a strong foundation for Cambodia’s next stage of aviation development. The successful operational transfer, expanding airline network, passenger traffic, emergency handling capability, aviation services and international awards have all contributed to its growing profile.
The next challenge will be sustaining that momentum while continuing to improve connectivity, passenger services and the wider aviation ecosystem. If TIA continues to attract international airlines and strengthen links with major markets, its importance could extend well beyond Phnom Penh, supporting Cambodia’s ambitions in tourism, trade, investment and international business. Its first year has been a milestone, but its longer term value will be measured by the opportunities it creates for Cambodia’s economy and its connection with the world.