(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet affirmed that the site of Phnom Penh International Airport will not be sold to any private entity. It remains state-owned property under the management of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, speaking on Monday (Oct. 20) during the inauguration for official launch of Techo International Airport in Kandal province.

Samdech Thipadei mentioned that the old Phnom Penh International Airport will be reserved for two main purposes. First, as an alternative landing site in case of congestion or emergencies at the new airport. Second, as a public park for citizens to use as a recreational area.

In addition, the premier clarified that some existing airport buildings may be used under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model, whereby the state collaborates with the private sector to generate economic and commercial benefits for the maintenance of the site. However, such arrangements must not affect the airport’s runway area.

Samdech Thipadei added that part of the existing buildings could be transformed into a museum, as Phnom Penh International Airport was originally established under the royal initiative of Cambodian Late King Father Norodom Sihanouk. Therefore, it must be preserved properly.

Samdech Thipadei continued that although the Phnom Penh International Airport site is worth billions of dollars in real estate value, its contribution to Cambodia over the decades is far more significant and invaluable.

It should be noted that after nearly 70 years of operation since 1959, Phnom Penh International Airport officially ceased all operations at midnight on 9 September 2025, leaving behind countless memories for both domestic and international travellers.

Originally known as “Pochentong International Airport,” it was built in 1954 on a total land area of 386.50 hectares, covering parts of Chaom Chau and Kakab communes in Por Senchey district, about 10 kilometres from central Phnom Penh. It began domestic operations in 1955 and expanded to international services in 1959 after upgrades.

The construction of Pochentong Airport began during the Japanese occupation in World War II, when several airfields were built using forced labour. After Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953, Cambodian Late King Father Norodom Sihanouk prioritised the development of the aviation sector, including the modernisation of Pochentong Airport.
=FRESH NEWS