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.