Travellers arriving in Phnom Penh will now land at Cambodia’s new Techo International Airport (IATA code: KTI), officially opened on 9 September. Located 20 kilometres south of the city centre, the airport replaces the former Phnom Penh International Airport and is designed to offer a travel experience that goes beyond a simple transit point.
Design that speaks Cambodian
The airport was conceived by UK-based Foster+Partners, the firm behind London’s Millennium Bridge, Hong Kong’s HSBC Building, and Apple Park in Cupertino.
The terminal reflects Cambodia’s tropical climate, local landscape, vernacular architecture, and rich cultural heritage. The central head house, which houses check-in, security, immigration, and retail spaces, features a soaring ceiling inspired by a tropical tree canopy. Warm neutral tones complement indoor greenery, while a lightweight grid-shell roof filters natural light across the terminal.
Coffee, art, and Instagram moments
Brown Coffee features Sopheap Pich’s bamboo and metal art installation, with light-changing sculptural forms creating a dynamic, photogenic backdrop for travellers’ coffee breaks and photos. Photo Credit: HKA+Partners
A standout spot for travellers is a 181-metre Brown Coffee outlet, designed by Phnom Penh-based HKA+Partners. The café centres on a sculptural art installation by Cambodian artist Sopheap Pich. Titled Birds Fly By Flapping Their Wings, the work consists of six bamboo, metal, and enamel forms inspired by the seedpods of the native Thnong tree. As daylight changes, the installation subtly shifts in appearance, offering a dynamic backdrop for coffee breaks and photos.
Capacity and future expansion
Techo Airport plans a second aerofoil-shaped pier and full airport city, expanding capacity from 13 million to 30 million passengers annually. Photo Credit: Mire Visuals
Techo International Airport’s first phase includes the central head house and one aerofoil-shaped pier, allowing it to handle up to 13 million passengers annually. Plans for a second pier and a full airport city will expand capacity to 30 million passengers per year. Passenger flow, comfort, and visual appeal are all central to the design, aiming to reduce travel stress while amping up the excitement of flying.