Airport raises Phnom Penh's global profile

Officials from China and Cambodia say the two countries are strengthening partnerships across infrastructure, tourism and economic development while opening new avenues for cooperation that mark a fresh chapter of enhanced connectivity and shared prosperity.

A key example of their growing partnership is the Techo International Airport project in Cambodia's Kandal province, which recently reached a significant milestone.

Built by China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group, the airport is scheduled to start test flights this month, ahead of opening in July. Once operational, it will significantly boost Cambodia's aviation capacity while serving as a vital platform for promoting bilateral tourism and strengthening the long-standing friendship between China and Cambodia.

Cambodian Minister of Tourism Thong Khon praised the project, noting its modern design and advanced facilities. He said the airport is set to become a crucial international gateway that will help Cambodia achieve its target of welcoming 7.5 million international visitors this year.

Located approximately 35 kilometers south of Cambodia's capital of Phnom Penh, Techo International Airport is being developed in three phases, with a planned capacity to handle 50 million passengers annually. It covers 2,600 hectares and features three runways and a satellite terminal. Once completed, it will be a 4F-rated facility — the highest classification for civil airports — and will enhance Cambodia's position as a regional aviation hub while alleviating congestion at existing airports.

Beyond its infrastructure scale, the airport is a blend of cultural heritage and modern architecture. Inspired by the curved silhouette of the traditional Khmer sugar palm tree, the terminal's design incorporates tall, transparent glass curtain walls and multi-curved aluminum ceiling panels. Its steel dome spans 36 meters and weighs more than 11,000 metric tons.

The Chinese construction team overcame complex geological and environmental conditions to achieve millimeter-level precision, addressing the global challenge of large-span curved grid shell construction. Moreover, the project was built with green development in mind. Techo International Airport is set to become Cambodia's first zero-carbon airport, setting a new benchmark for sustainable infrastructure.

Chinese support for the project even extends to operational preparations, with China Southern Airlines' Phnom Penh office working closely with Cambodian authorities to ensure a smooth transition to the new airport.

"The new facility provides stronger support for wide-body aircraft operated by major airlines. With the introduction of internationally advanced technological systems, it will further enhance operational efficiency and safety," said Zhou Yingping, general manager at the Phnom Penh office of China Southern Airlines.

Tourism has long been a cornerstone of Cambodia's economy. Often referred to as "green gold", the sector plays a key role in generating employment, promoting social development and preserving natural and cultural heritage. According to the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, the country welcomed 6.7 million international tourists in 2024, a year-on-year increase of approximately 23 percent, generating $3.63 billion in revenue. China ranked as Cambodia's third-largest source of international visitors, after Thailand and Vietnam.

With 2024 marking the Cambodia-China Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges, tourism cooperation between the two countries continued to grow. To better accommodate Chinese travelers, the Cambodian government expanded digital Chinese-language services, introduced Chinese product labeling and trained frontline tourism workers in Mandarin to ensure high-quality standardized service.

In addition, the National Bank of Cambodia has applied to join the cross-border interbank payment system and is encouraging local businesses — including hotels, restaurants and shops — to accept renminbi payments. Popular Chinese mobile payment platforms such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also being promoted to enhance convenience for Chinese tourists.

wangjinhui@chinadaily.com.cn