A Journey Through History and a Look Ahead at What’s Next for Cambodia’s Air Gateway. Will the Old Airport Become Phnom Penh’s Next Big Project?

A Storied Past: The History of Phnom Penh International Airport

Phnom Penh International Airport (PPIA), Cambodia’s primary air gateway for nearly three decades, stands as a symbol of the country’s post-war rebirth and economic growth. Formerly known as Pochentong Airport, the facility began its transformation into a modern international hub in the 1990s. In 1995, the Royal Government of Cambodia signed a concession agreement with Société Concessionnaire de l’Aéroport (SCA), a joint venture between French conglomerate Vinci Group and Malaysia’s Muhibbah Engineering, to rehabilitate and operate the airport. This public-private partnership marked a pivotal moment in Cambodia’s civil aviation history, ushering in a new era of international connectivity.

Over the past 30 years, PPIA has expanded to meet the rising demands of both tourism and business travel. From accommodating fewer than 500,000 passengers annually in the late 1990s, it grew to handle over 6 million travelers in 2019, prior to the pandemic. Continuous upgrades, including runway enhancements, terminal expansions, and improved air navigation systems, have helped maintain its relevance in a rapidly evolving aviation landscape.

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A Strategic Location: Where It All Takes Off

PPIA is located approximately 10 kilometers west of Phnom Penh’s city center, in the Dangkor District. Its location has always been one of its greatest assets—close enough to the city for convenience, yet far enough to allow for safe aviation operations. Spanning over 400 hectares, the airport houses a single 3,000-meter runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, including Boeing 777s and Airbus A330s.

The airport also includes cargo facilities, aircraft maintenance services, and an adjacent commercial zone known as the Airway Complex—an investment led by the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC). For years, PPIA has been the lifeline connecting Cambodia’s capital to the world.

Enter the Future: Relocation to Techo International Airport

With Phnom Penh’s expansion and air traffic projections rising, Cambodia needed a more ambitious solution. Enter Techo International Airport (TIA)—a bold, multibillion-dollar infrastructure project that will replace PPIA as the nation’s primary international gateway. Situated about 20 kilometers south of Phnom Penh in Kandal and Takeo provinces, TIA is expected to be one of Southeast Asia’s most advanced airports.

The TIA project is spearheaded by Cambodia Airport Investment Co., Ltd. (CAIC), a joint venture between OCIC and the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA). The estimated total investment? Over $1.5 billion.

Construction began in 2020 and has moved swiftly. Once completed, the new airport will cover more than 2,600 hectares, with a terminal capable of serving 13 million passengers annually in its first phase, expandable to 30 million by 2050. It will feature multiple runways, high-tech passenger terminals, and state-of-the-art logistics and cargo facilities, setting a new benchmark for aviation infrastructure in Cambodia.

July 2025: A Major Turning Point

As of July 10, 2025, all commercial flights will transfer from PPIA to TIA. The final departure from PPIA will be a Korean Air flight taking off just before midnight on July 9. After this historic moment, the once-bustling airport will go quiet—for now.

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This impending closure has sparked widespread curiosity: What will happen to the land and infrastructure left behind at PPIA?

As it stands, no official announcements or confirmed plans have been made regarding the site’s redevelopment. According to Sin Chansereivutha, SSCA spokesperson, “SSCA hasn’t heard [of] any investment or development projects to take action at the old airport from relevant parties yet.”

Updated on October 20, 2025

Phnom Penh International Airport to Be Repurposed for Public Benefit

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has confirmed that the Phnom Penh International Airport, Cambodia’s main air gateway since the 1950s, will not be sold following its closure in September 2025. Speaking at the inauguration of the new Techo International Airport in Kandal province, the Prime Minister emphasized that the old airport remains state property under the management of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation.

The government allocates around US$3 million annually for the airport’s maintenance. Instead of privatization, plans are underway to repurpose the 200-hectare site for public use, potentially transforming it into a public park, aviation museum, or reserve runway for emergency landings.

The Phnom Penh International Airport, operational since 1959, officially ceased operations on September 8, 2025, marking the end of an era for the capital’s aviation hub while paving the way for its transformation into a community-oriented development project.

A Blank Canvas: Opportunities and Challenges

Despite the uncertainty, industry leaders see tremendous potential. Thourn Sinan, Chairman of IMCT Co., Ltd. and the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia Chapter, envisions the transformation of PPIA into a multifunctional complex. His vision includes:

• A commercial hub featuring retail outlets, hotels, and entertainment venues
• Business parks to attract international and local companies
• Community-friendly green spaces and recreational areas
• An urban transport hub connecting surrounding districts and future development zones

Such projects would not only bring vibrancy to the Dangkor District but also create jobs and bolster the local economy. “Using existing infrastructure for inclusive and sustainable development is the way forward,” Sinan emphasized.

However, he also cautioned against rushing into developments that could harm the environment or displace local communities. “It’s important that future activities are community-oriented and environmentally responsible,” he added.

The Role of OCIC: Key Player or Silent Partner?

Given that OCIC has previously invested in projects around the current airport—including the long-established Airway Complex—speculation is high that it may play a key role in PPIA’s future. While Kuch Pannhasa, Under Secretary of State for the Ministry of Tourism, hinted at possible discussions between OCIC and other stakeholders, OCIC has publicly stated that no formal plans exist at this point.

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This silence leaves the door open for various possibilities. Could it become a mixed-use urban center? A tech or innovation park? An educational district? The scale of the land—over 400 hectares—offers flexibility, but the window to act strategically is short.

The Numbers Behind the Sky

Cambodia is witnessing a post-pandemic rebound in air traffic. In just the first four months of 2025, the country recorded 2.5 million air travelers, both inbound and outbound—a notable 18% increase from the same period in 2024. With TIA expected to streamline air travel further, especially for international tourists, that number is only projected to grow.

The tourism industry, closely tied to aviation, stands to gain significantly. With the Royal Government promoting Cambodia as a top regional destination and improving visa facilitation, the demand for quality infrastructure—both airports and tourism-related developments—is rising.

Thus, how the PPIA site is repurposed will not only impact Phnom Penh but will also reflect the country’s broader vision for sustainable growth.

Lessons from Other Countries: Inspiration for Cambodia

Across the world, decommissioned airports have been successfully repurposed into thriving urban developments. Examples include:

• Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport, transformed into a public park and cultural space
• Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Airport, now a sprawling residential and commercial district
• Denver’s Stapleton Airport, reborn as a model green community

These cases show that with the right vision, planning, and stakeholder collaboration, former airport sites can become powerful catalysts for urban renewal and economic development.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Vision and Action

As PPIA enters its final chapter as Cambodia’s main air hub, the question is no longer if it will close—but what comes next. Without a clear plan in place, the risk of missed opportunities looms large.

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This moment demands strategic leadership, community involvement, and bold yet responsible investment. The land that once welcomed millions of travelers each year holds the potential to become a cornerstone of Phnom Penh’s next phase of growth—if its future is guided with purpose.

Will it be a public asset? A commercial success? A green urban haven?

The future of Phnom Penh International Airport may be unwritten, but the possibilities are vast.

More Than an Airport—A Legacy in the Making

Phnom Penh International Airport has long been more than just a transportation hub. It’s been a gateway for families reuniting, businesses growing, tourists exploring, and a nation reconnecting with the world. As the city prepares to embrace a new era at Techo International Airport, the legacy of PPIA deserves to live on—not just in memory, but in the life it can still breathe into the community it once served.

What happens next will define not just a piece of land, but a vision for how Cambodia grows—boldly, sustainably, and inclusively. The runway may close, but the journey continues.

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Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam Collaborate to Boost Southern Tourism Connectivity

The 7th Southern Tourism Corridor (STC) meeting, held on December 18, 2024, in Thailand, marked a significant step forward in regional tourism cooperation among Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Focused on enhancing connectivity, promoting collaborative tourism initiatives, and advancing infrastructure, the meeting underscored the shared commitment to bolstering tourism in the southern region of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

Representatives from all three nations discussed actionable strategies to link tourism offerings and create a seamless experience for travelers. With an eye toward 2025 and beyond, the meeting delved into the Joint Action Plan for 2025 and broader development objectives for 2030, aiming to elevate the STC as a model for regional tourism collaboration.

Advancing Regional Connectivity

Thai and Cambodian delegates joined 20 Vietnamese representatives in an in-depth exploration of the Southern Tourism Corridor’s potential to transform the GMS. This initiative seeks to streamline cross-border travel, create unified marketing strategies, and develop diverse tourism products that cater to an international audience.

Choub Ratana, Director of Tourism Development Planning for Cambodia, emphasized the importance of regional partnerships in his remarks. Highlighting Cambodia’s progress, Ratana noted ongoing efforts to build the Coastal Province Development Master Plan into a multi-purpose special economic zone. He also detailed the mid-term evaluation of the Tourism Development Plan for 2020-2025, pointing to tangible achievements in infrastructure and capacity-building efforts supported by partners like the Asian Development Bank.

“Through this collaboration, Cambodia’s coastal provinces have gained immense benefits,” Ratana shared. “These include infrastructure upgrades, improved tourism destination management, hospitality training programs, and the promotion of ASEAN tourism standards.” He also confirmed that Cambodia will host the 8th STC meeting, signaling its leadership role in the initiative.

Benefits of a Collaborative Approach

The meeting highlighted numerous advantages of fostering deeper ties among Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. These include:

1. Enhanced Infrastructure: Infrastructure projects funded by regional and international organizations are expected to improve accessibility and travel experiences across borders.
2. Capacity Building: Training programs in tourism and hospitality management are equipping local operators with skills to meet international standards.
3. Economic Growth: By boosting tourism, the corridor has the potential to uplift smaller businesses and generate employment in rural and coastal areas.
4. Diverse Offerings: Joint marketing and development efforts aim to create rich, multi-country travel experiences that attract global tourists.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Industry professionals and stakeholders have expressed optimism about the potential impact of this collaboration. Steve Lidgey, General Manager of Travel Asia a la Carte, praised the initiative as a significant step forward for cross-border tourism. “This is excellent news,” Lidgey remarked. “When countries cooperate, it makes travel more seamless and attractive for visitors.”

However, he stressed the need for practical implementation to ensure success. “Until we see concrete boat schedules, pricing, and simplified immigration processes, it’s hard to gauge the real impact,” Lidgey noted. Drawing a parallel with the Schengen area’s borderless travel model, he urged participating nations to focus on creating an equally seamless experience for tourists.

Lidgey also highlighted the potential benefits for smaller operators in lesser-known regions. “Some travelers might prefer exploring coastal areas and islands over historical sites. This initiative could encourage repeat visitors to discover new regions and support local businesses that often miss out on tourist traffic,” he said.

A Cambodian destination management company (DMC) representative, speaking anonymously, echoed these sentiments. “DMCs have collaborated across borders for decades. For us, this initiative is not entirely new but represents a formalization of what many of us have been doing for years. It’s a positive development that could open new doors,” they stated.

Vision for the Future

The STC’s success will depend on sustained commitment and strategic planning. Beyond infrastructure and joint marketing, the initiative seeks to foster a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and shared heritage among the three nations. With goals extending to 2030, the STC envisions:

• Seamless Border Crossings: Streamlined visa processes and integrated immigration systems to make travel hassle-free.
• Unified Marketing Campaigns: Collaborative efforts to position the Southern Tourism Corridor as a premier destination in Asia.
• Sustainable Tourism Practices: Emphasis on eco-friendly and community-based tourism to preserve natural and cultural assets.

Expanding Possibilities

The Southern Tourism Corridor presents opportunities for both domestic and international travelers. By creating new routes and experiences, the initiative aims to diversify tourism offerings. For instance:

• Domestic Travelers: Residents of Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam can explore neighboring regions without requiring flights, making travel more accessible and cost-effective.
• International Visitors: Tourists from outside the region can enjoy multi-country itineraries that blend coastal relaxation with cultural exploration.

These efforts promise to position the Southern Tourism Corridor as a dynamic hub for global tourism, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam to boost southern tourism connectivity represents a landmark effort to transform the region into a unified and accessible destination. By focusing on infrastructure, joint promotion, and seamless travel experiences, the Southern Tourism Corridor is poised to become a model for regional tourism development.

As the 8th STC meeting approaches, all eyes will be on Cambodia as it takes the lead in driving this ambitious vision forward. Stakeholders, travelers, and industry professionals alike are eager to witness the tangible benefits of this collaboration, paving the way for a thriving and interconnected tourism landscape in the Greater Mekong Subregion.

Have you explored the Southern Tourism Corridor or have insights to share about travel in Cambodia, Thailand, or Vietnam? Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts!

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Lao Visitors Gain Seamless Digital Payment Access in Cambodia

Lao travellers visiting Cambodia can now enjoy a faster and more convenient way to pay for goods and services following the launch of Phase 2 of cross border QR code payments between the National Bank of Cambodia and the Bank of the Lao PDR. The initiative allows Lao tourists and customers to scan KHQR codes using their mobile banking applications while travelling in Cambodia with zero transaction fees, significantly improving everyday payment convenience and strengthening consumer confidence.

Central Banks Deepen Financial Connectivity

The official launch ceremony held in Phnom Penh was presided over by Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, and Bounkham Vorachit, Governor of the Bank of the Lao PDR. Speaking at the event, Serey emphasised the broader significance of the collaboration, stating, “Today’s gathering represents a crucial advance in enhancing connectivity while deepening economic integration between our two nations.” She noted that the formalised memorandum of understanding signed in November 2022 laid the foundation for innovation in cross border payments and financial inclusion.

Expanded Merchant Access and Tourism Benefits

Under Phase 2, Lao citizens can use their mobile banking apps to scan KHQR codes at approximately 4.5 million merchants across Cambodia. This wide acceptance opens new commercial opportunities for businesses in both countries while supporting increased trade, investment and tourism flows. Highlighting the consumer impact, Serey said, “Travellers will benefit from a seamless, fast and secure cross border payment experience, further enhancing convenience and consumer confidence,” adding that the initiative connects economies, cultures and people while promoting deeper ASEAN integration.

Regional Cooperation and Local Currency Use

Bounkham Vorachit described the initiative as a major milestone in bilateral cooperation, saying, “The development of the retail cross border QR payment linkage between Lao PDR and Cambodia is considered a significant achievement between BOL and NBC.” She explained that the system focuses on using local currencies in line with ASEAN integration goals and leverages digital innovation to remove traditional financial barriers. Several Lao commercial banks are participating alongside around 60 Cambodian banks, including ACLEDA Bank Lao Ltd, Agricultural Promotion Bank Co Ltd and Saigon Thuong Tin Bank Lao Co Ltd.

From Phase One Success to Full Two Way Payments

The QR payment linkage was developed in two phases, with Phase 1 launched on August 18, 2023, enabling Cambodian users with Khmer Riel accounts to pay merchants in Laos by scanning LAOQR codes via the Bakong app or mobile banking platforms. Phase 2 now completes the loop by allowing customers and tourists travelling between the two countries to make simple QR based payments in both markets, using KHQR and Khmer Riel accounts with zero transaction fees.

Strengthening Business and Economic Growth

According to the National Bank of Cambodia, the payment connection is especially important for businessmen, investors, tourists and workers, as it offers access to official financial services that are fast, affordable and secure. By simplifying payments and reducing friction, the system is expected to boost tourism, support trade activities and contribute to sustainable economic growth between the two neighbouring countries.

Conclusion

The launch of Phase 2 of the Cambodia Laos QR payment system marks a meaningful step toward a more connected and digitally driven regional economy. By enabling seamless, secure and fee free payments for travellers and businesses, the initiative not only improves daily convenience but also reinforces long term economic cooperation, tourism growth and ASEAN financial integration.

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