Phnom Penh's Foster + Partners-Designed Airport Opens, Boosting Cambodia's Aviation Landscape
Phnom Penh's Techo International Airport, designed by Foster + Partners, has officially opened with the arrival of Air Cambodia's first commercial flight. The airport, designated KTI by IATA and VDTI by ICAO, is set to transform Cambodia's aviation news landscape.
The new airport, a joint venture between the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation and the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC), boasts an initial annual capacity of 15 million passengers. It has already begun serving passengers with new routes and supported Cathay Pacific during Typhoon Ragasa.
The terminal, inspired by Angkorian heritage and Cambodian national symbols, features 'trees' mimicking the national flower rumduol, a canopy roof for natural daylight, and interiors reflecting Cambodian vernacular in a modern style. Retail and dining options include Malis, Starbucks, Paul, Bodia, Brown Coffee, and Artisans d'Angkor.
CAIC chairman Pung Kheav Se welcomed the first passengers, stating, 'This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Cambodia.' CAIC has appointed Vinci Airports, Lagardère Travel Retail, Newrest, and Singapore Airlines Engineering Company for management, retail, catering, and aircraft maintenance respectively. The project involved over 200 Cambodian engineers and 17,000 workers, collaborating with a consortium of domestic and international contractors.
Techo International Airport's opening is a significant milestone for Cambodia, offering new opportunities for visitors, businesses, and investors. With its unique design and robust infrastructure, it is poised to become a major aviation hub in the region.
