(Kandal): Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Cambodian Prime Minister, expressed his pride in the Techo International Airport, a new gateway built with an investment of approximately USD 2.3 billion, entirely owned by Cambodians. The airport is expected to play a pivotal role in boosting tourism, attracting more investors, and contributing to the expansion of the national economy.

The premier spoke on Monday (Oct. 20) during the inauguration for official launch of Techo International Airport in Kandal province.

Samdech Thipadei highlighted that the Techo International Airport stands as Cambodia’s largest and most advanced aviation facility, marking a proud national milestone. He noted that this modern international hub will bolster the country’s Open Sky Policy by strengthening air connectivity and economic integration. The government has already signed bilateral air service agreements with numerous countries, enabling direct routes that were previously unavailable. Looking ahead, he expressed optimism that more intercontinental direct flights will soon follow, as the airport is fully equipped to handle aircraft of all sizes from around the world.

He stated: “The Royal Government under the 7th Legislature of the National Assembly has introduced the Pentagon Strategy, a long-term socio-economic development plan to be implemented in five phases over 25 years. Under this strategy, the transport sector remains the second national development priority. It addresses the demands of national development in line with regional and global trends by improving connectivity, efficiency, and competitiveness in transport and logistics."

He continued: “Air transport is a vital mode of travel and cargo movement, serving key sectors such as tourism, investment, commerce, diplomacy, and multi-purpose missions. Therefore, I firmly believe that the Techo International Airport will become a driving force in attracting more tourists and investors to Cambodia than in the pre-COVID-19 era, especially as passenger handling capacity has increased. The country now accommodates both regional and long-haul international flights.”

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also revealed that Cambodia is preparing to receive another direct flight soon, having recently secured a new route from Etihad Airways. He hopes that other international airlines will follow in the near future.

According to the prime minister, the Techo International Airport’s first-phase investment of around USD 2.3 billion is 100% Cambodian-funded. Of this, 90% comes from the OCIC Group, while the remaining 10% is held by the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, representing the government, countering previous claims that the project involved foreign investment.

A particularly noteworthy aspect of the project is that since the beginning of construction, approximately 90% of engineers and workers have been Cambodian. Samdech Thipadei expressed confidence that the second phase of construction will continue using 100% Cambodian specialists and labourers, underscoring the nation’s self-reliant capabilities.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority’s evaluation, the Techo International Airport ranks 9th globally among 4F category airports. Architecturally, it is also among 11 of the most influential airport designs worldwide.

As planned, the airport will be developed in three phases. Phase 1 includes a 4-kilometer runway and is expected to handle over 15 million passengers annually by 2025. Phase 2 will add two more runways and increase capacity to 30 million passengers by 2030. Phase 3 will see the addition of a third runway, boosting total passenger capacity to 45 million by 2050.
=FRESH NEWS