Cambodia’s Techo International Airport Launches Amid Southeast Asia’s Rapid Aviation Growth, Poised to Outpace Global Trends in Passenger Experience

Published on November 25, 2025

Cambodia’s Techo International Airport has officially launched, marking a significant milestone in Southeast Asia’s booming aviation sector. Positioned as a key player within a rapidly expanding regional market, the airport is set to not only keep pace with but potentially outstrip global trends in passenger experience. With Southeast Asia witnessing unprecedented growth in air travel, Techo International Airport emerges as a beacon of modernity and innovation, designed to meet the evolving demands of both travelers and airlines. Its state-of-the-art facilities, seamless integration of technology, and focus on sustainability position it to offer an unmatched travel experience, ensuring that Cambodia remains at the forefront of the aviation revolution. As the region’s aviation industry accelerates, Techo International stands poised to redefine what it means to travel in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Techo International Airport: A New Era for Air Travel in Southeast Asia

Air travel in Southeast Asia is experiencing exponential growth, far outpacing the global average. As highlighted in SITA’s Travelers’ Voice: Passenger IT Insights 2025 report, nearly 66% of travelers now expect faster processing times at airports and a higher level of control over their travel experience. Meeting this demand, Cambodia has proudly launched Techo International Airport (KTI), a cutting-edge transportation hub designed to cater to the growing needs of both international travelers and the local economy.

Techo International Airport, a flagship project led by Cambodia Airport Investment Co. Ltd. (CAIC)—a subsidiary of the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation—is a monumental development in the region’s aviation sector. Collaborating with the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), Cambodia has ushered in a new era of modern infrastructure and advanced airport technologies, poised to transform the nation’s connectivity to the world.

Replacing Phnom Penh’s Old Airport

Located just outside Phnom Penh, the capital city, Techo International Airport replaces the outdated Phnom Penh International Airport, which no longer met the demands of the rapidly growing air travel market. With the increasing influx of international tourists and the country’s expanding trade, the new airport serves as a crucial cornerstone in Cambodia’s efforts to boost tourism, enhance trade, and position itself as a regional aviation hub.

The airport’s initial phase includes three runways, with a capacity to handle 13 million passengers annually. As part of a phased expansion plan, the airport aims to accommodate 30 million passengers in Phase 2, and 50 million passengers by the completion of the final phase. This forward-thinking design ensures that Techo International Airport can evolve to meet the demands of a bustling Southeast Asian travel corridor for years to come.

A Fully Digital Airport Journey

One of the most significant features of Techo International Airport is its integration of SITA’s cutting-edge technology, enabling a fully digital airport experience. For the first time in Cambodia, passengers can enjoy a seamless, automated journey from check-in to boarding. At the heart of this transformation are SITA’s self-service kiosks and automated bag drops, which allow passengers to check in and drop off their luggage without waiting in long queues.

Additionally, the airport introduces biometric eGates, enhancing security while offering a quicker, more convenient way for travelers to move through immigration. These eGates use facial recognition technology to authenticate passengers, speeding up the process and reducing human error. By automating much of the travel experience, Techo International Airport can deliver a faster, smoother journey, meeting the heightened expectations of today’s tech-savvy passengers.

SITA’s Role in Operational Efficiency

Behind the scenes, SITA’s advanced airport technologies work to ensure smooth and efficient airport operations. The SITA Airport Management System plays a key role in managing and optimizing day-to-day activities by providing real-time data to airport staff. This system helps predict potential issues before they arise, allowing for quick, data-driven decision-making to keep operations running efficiently and minimize delays.

In addition, the SITA Airport Vision system offers airport operators a comprehensive view of all processes, from flight arrivals and departures to baggage handling and passenger flow. By visualizing real-time data, airport staff can act swiftly to address any disruptions, ensuring that passengers are kept informed and flight schedules are maintained.

Another game-changing innovation is SITA’s Bag Manager system, which provides real-time tracking of checked baggage. This reduces the risk of mishandling and allows passengers to track their luggage’s journey through the airport, providing peace of mind and enhancing the overall travel experience.

Transforming Cambodia’s Aviation Landscape

Techo International Airport represents a significant leap forward for Cambodia’s aviation infrastructure. The combination of world-class facilities, advanced technology, and a commitment to sustainability ensures that the airport will play a central role in the country’s development as a tourism and trade destination. As air travel across Southeast Asia continues to grow, Techo International Airport sets a new standard for the region’s airports, focusing on efficiency, customer satisfaction, and innovation. With its state-of-the-art design and cutting-edge technology, Cambodia is now ready to welcome the world, offering travelers a modern, seamless journey from the moment they step off the plane.

“Southeast Asia’s aviation market is growing at record pace, but that growth brings complexity,” said Sumesh Patel, President, Asia Pacific, SITA. “Techo International Airport shows how technology can turn that challenge into opportunity. By adopting scalable, data-driven systems from day one, CAIC has created an airport that can grow sustainably and be resilient in the face of disruption while delivering a world-class experience for every traveler.”

SITA’s Common Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE) platform is already connecting 29 airlines, fostering smooth cooperation between airlines, ground handlers, and airport operations. This unified system also incorporates key features such as the Local Departure Control System (LDCS), Pax Check, Pax Locate, and SITATEX messaging, all aimed at providing reliable and secure connections for airport stakeholders.

Cambodia’s Techo International Airport has officially launched, positioning itself at the heart of Southeast Asia’s booming aviation sector. With the region’s rapid growth in air travel, the airport is designed to surpass global passenger experience trends through cutting-edge technology, modern facilities, and a focus on sustainability. It’s poised to set a new standard for air travel in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Techo International Airport, one of the newest greenfield airports in the region, exemplifies the future of aviation infrastructure in Southeast Asia. It serves as a cutting-edge model of smart, scalable, and sustainable design, fully equipped to cater to the needs of the travelers of tomorrow.