Cambodia has invested billions in two new international airports, the Siem Reap-Angkor International and Techo International, aiming to dramatically boost its tourism sector and global connectivity, despite facing significant challenges in reputation and regional competition.
Cambodia is embarking on an ambitious journey to redefine its global image and stimulate economic growth through a significant overhaul of its aviation infrastructure. The recent inaugurations of two state-of-the-art international airports, the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SIAI) and Techo International Airport (TIA), mark a pivotal moment for the Southeast Asian nation. These multi-billion-dollar projects, largely backed by Chinese investment, are intended to serve as modern gateways, dramatically increasing international tourist arrivals and fostering greater economic connectivity.
Cambodia’s Dual Gateway Strategy: Siem Reap-Angkor and Techo International
The development of these two major airports underscores Cambodia’s strategic vision for its tourism and economic future. Each airport serves a distinct yet complementary role in this national strategy.
Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SIAI)
The Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport began operations on October 16, 2023, with its official inauguration following on Thursday, November 16, 2023. This significant event was presided over by Prime Minister Hun Manet, accompanied by high-level Chinese and Cambodian officials, highlighting the project’s strategic importance. Days before its official opening, on October 7, 2023, H.E. Sok Soken, Minister of Tourism, led a delegation to inspect the facility, praising its modern design and potential for enhancing hospitality services.
Located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of the famed Angkor Wat temple complex, the SIAI spans 700 hectares (1,730 acres) and features a 3,600-meter (11,810-foot) runway. Its initial capacity of 7 million passengers annually is slated to expand to 12 million by 2040. A primary driver for this relocation was the concern that vibrations from flights at the old airport, located just 5 kilometers from the temples, were potentially damaging the ancient foundations of Angkor Wat.
The $1.1 billion project was financed by Angkor International Airport (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., an affiliate of China’s Yunnan Investment Holdings Ltd, under a 55-year build-operate-transfer deal. This airport is a key component of China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at improving global connectivity through Chinese-built infrastructure.
Techo International Airport (TIA)
Further demonstrating this national commitment, the new Phnom Penh International Airport, officially known as Techo International Airport, also reached significant milestones. In early September 2025, Buddhist monks performed blessings over a 30-foot golden Buddha statue in its departures hall, a symbolic gesture preceding the arrival of its first commercial flight, Air Cambodia K6 611 from Guangzhou, just four days later. The airport was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Hun Manet on October 20, 2025.
This reported $2 billion project, located 18 miles south of Phnom Penh, is named after a Khmer military honorific. Designed by British firm Foster + Partners, its 87,000-square-foot facility features natural light, pale wood floors, tropical greenery, and a curving roofline inspired by traditional Apsara dancers. The design prioritizes clear sightlines and efficient passenger flow, with a maximum walking distance of only 500 meters from the center to the end of the terminal.
Techo International aims to be a draw for travelers in its own right, expanding Cambodia’s global connections. New flight routes now link Phnom Penh to major hubs like Bangkok, Beijing, Hanoi, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur, with Turkish Airlines and Etihad planning direct routes from Istanbul and Abu Dhabi. Charles Vann, Director of Cambodia Airport Investment Company, a key financial backer, expressed hope that the airport will attract many visitors and tourists to Cambodia, similar to global aviation hubs like Dubai or London.
The Broader Economic and Geopolitical Landscape
Tourism stands as one of the main pillars supporting Cambodia’s economy. The Cambodian government hopes these new airports will significantly boost visitor numbers, aiming to surpass pre-pandemic levels. For context, Cambodia received approximately 3.5 million international tourists in the first eight months of 2023, compared to 6.6 million for the entirety of 2019, the last full year before the coronavirus pandemic. Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed optimism, stating, “hopefully, 2024 will be the year of the beginning of the advance and rebirth of the tourism sector in our Siem Reap province.”
China’s role as Cambodia’s most important ally and benefactor is evident in its strong influence on the Cambodian economy, marked by numerous Chinese-funded projects beyond these airports, including roads, hotels, and casinos. China’s state banks have financed substantial infrastructure through loans, contributing to over 40% of Cambodia’s $10 billion foreign debt owed to China, as reported by The Associated Press.
Both the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport and Techo International Airport are central to Cambodia’s “Sacred Tourism 2025-2035” master plan. This blueprint seeks to diversify Cambodia’s tourism offerings beyond the iconic Angkor Wat, by developing wellness, agricultural, and community-based tourism, moving towards a more comprehensive and sustainable model for the nation.
Navigating Challenges and Skepticism
Despite the immense investment and ambitious plans, Cambodia’s tourism sector faces significant hurdles. The country currently attracts only about 2.5 million international visitors annually, a fraction compared to regional neighbors like Thailand (32 million) and Vietnam (18 million). International advisories also warn travelers of heightened risks, including crime in Phnom Penh and dangers from decades-old unexploded ordnance in other regions, according to the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory.
Adding to these concerns, a “code black” travel warning was issued by South Korea in early September 2025 for parts of Cambodia, following the tragic death of a Korean student allegedly tortured at a phone scam center. Such incidents contribute to a challenging international reputation, which Shukor Yusof, founder of Endau Analytics, believes a shiny new airport alone cannot overcome.
Yusof notes that “Vietnam and Thailand have more to offer in terms of culture, food and, more importantly, security.” He points out that “Cambodia is struggling to overcome a reputation as a destination for syndicates involved in scams, frauds and human trafficking,” suggesting that diversification beyond key attractions like Angkor Wat and the Killing Fields, alongside addressing safety concerns, is crucial.
Looking ahead, Phase two of Techo International’s development includes plans for a train connection to Phnom Penh’s city center. Meanwhile, the future of the old Phnom Penh International Airport, which has now closed to traffic, remains uncertain with no official plans yet for its next incarnation.
The Path Forward for Cambodian Tourism
Cambodia’s bold investment in its aviation infrastructure through the Siem Reap-Angkor International and Techo International airports represents a clear declaration of its intent to become a major player in global tourism. These modern facilities symbolize a dedication to delivering quality services and expanding international access.
However, the success of this monumental gamble hinges on Cambodia’s ability to address the underlying challenges that have historically constrained its tourism potential. By simultaneously focusing on improving security, diversifying its attractions beyond the well-known sites, and rigorously enhancing service standards, Cambodia can leverage these new gateways to fully realize its aspirations for economic rebirth and a redefined global image. The world is watching to see if Cambodia can overcome these hurdles and truly open its skies to a new era of prosperity.
