( PHNOM PENH) Vietnam Airlines will move all Phnom Penh flights to the new Techo International Airport at 00:01 on September 9, 2025, after Cambodian civil aviation authorities ordered carriers to shift operations from Phnom Penh International Airport. The existing Phnom Penh International Airport will close at 23:59 on September 8, 2025, ending decades of service and marking a major step in Cambodia’s aviation build-out. The airline says the move will bring safer, faster, and more efficient travel for passengers flying to and from the capital.
According to Vietnam Airlines, tickets issued before September 9 will be changed automatically from the old airport code (PNH) to the new code (KTI). Flight numbers will stay the same. Travelers who want to adjust plans can use the carrier’s rebooking policy. The airline urges customers to double-check airport details when booking and to arrive at least three hours before international departures while the new hub ramps up systems and staff.
Shift to the new Phnom Penh hub
Techo International Airport sits more than 20 km south of central Phnom Penh, with an expected road journey of around 40 minutes to downtown. The new facility lies roughly 30 km from the old field; driving between the two airports takes about 50 minutes. New highway links are in place, and the government has under review a future light rail or metro connection to ease access.
The airport was planned and built in phases to meet rising demand. In Phase 1, the hub can handle up to 13 million passengers a year. Later phases are designed to scale capacity to 30 million and then 50 million passengers, helping Cambodia keep pace with growth in tourism and business travel. Cambodia Airports, a subsidiary of VINCI Airports, has been appointed by Cambodia Airport Investment Co. Ltd (CAIC) to run daily operations and develop new routes as airlines consider more service to the capital.
Key infrastructure and design highlights:
- ICAO 4F rating, the highest for commercial airports, allowing the largest long-haul aircraft and improved runway safety margins.
- Three runways and a new terminal built for smooth passenger flow, short walking distances, and stronger security screening.
- Design led by Foster + Partners, with emphasis on energy use, natural light, and green areas.
- Plans for onsite solar arrays to power much of the facility and reduce energy use.
These design choices aim to cut delays, speed up boarding and baggage handling, and give travelers a better experience from curb to gate.
Vietnam Airlines is one of the first major carriers to detail customer steps for the move. The airline says it will push updates through its website, mobile app, social media pages, ticket offices, partners, and the 1900 1100 hotline. Travelers should monitor these channels closely through September as the switch occurs and teams fine-tune on-the-ground procedures.
The government-backed project traces its roots to a 2019 joint venture between state bodies and the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC), which later formed CAIC to fund, build, operate, and own the hub. The airport was officially named Techo International Airport in December 2021 under then-Prime Minister Hun Sen. Phase 1 construction is now nearing completion ahead of opening day. Industry sources peg Phase 1 investment at around US$1.5 billion, with room to grow as later phases come online.
VisaVerge.com reports that this relocation is widely seen as a turning point for Cambodia’s aviation sector, with airlines expected to benefit from added runway length, wider taxiways, and modern terminal systems that support more flights and larger aircraft.
What passengers should do next
With the changeover now set, travelers can reduce stress by taking a few simple steps:
- Check your itinerary for the airport code.
- For all flights on or after September 9, 2025, the code is KTI (Techo International Airport).
- If your original ticket shows
PNH, Vietnam Airlines will update it automatically toKTIwhile keeping your flight number the same.
- Plan to reach the airport early.
- Vietnam Airlines advises arriving at least three hours before international departures to allow for first-week adjustments, new checkpoints, and possible traffic near the terminal.
- Confirm ground transport.
- Expect about a 40-minute ride to the city center, depending on traffic.
- If you are connecting from the old Phnom Penh International Airport area during the transition week, allow about 50 minutes by road.
- Use official channels for updates.
- Rely on the Vietnam Airlines website, app, social media, ticket offices, and the 1900 1100 hotline for any changes to check-in counters, boarding gates, or baggage rules.
- Rebook if necessary.
- If you need to change your plans, contact the airline or your travel agent to use the rebooking policy tied to the airport shift.
For official Cambodian entry rules, travelers can refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ e-visa portal: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/. This site provides direct government guidance for visitors planning trips that include Phnom Penh.
Important: The old Phnom Penh International Airport will close at 23:59 on September 8, 2025 and Techo International Airport begins full operations at 00:01 on September 9, 2025. Tickets issued before the switchover will be updated automatically from
PNHtoKTI.
Airport capacity and future plans
The move to Techo International Airport is designed to unlock room for growth and new routes. Cambodia Airports, as operator, is working on route development to attract more carriers and link Phnom Penh with additional cities across Asia and beyond.
Highlights of operational capability:
- ICAO 4F standards and three runways to accept long-range aircraft previously harder to schedule at the old field.
- Terminal’s modular layout allows new wings and gates to be added in Phase 2 and Phase 3 without major disruption.
- Emphasis on natural light and greenery to reduce energy needs and create calmer passenger spaces, aiding smoother security, immigration, and customs flows.
While the first months may bring the usual fine-tuning at a brand-new facility, the broader aim is to:
- Reduce bottlenecks
- Shorten taxi times
- Support a larger network of flights
Stakeholders across the sector have aligned behind the move. Cambodian civil aviation authorities ordered the switch to the new airport for all carriers. CAIC serves as project owner, with OCIC as the parent group behind the development push. Foster + Partners led the master plan and terminal design, while VINCI’s Cambodia Airports assumes day-to-day running and airline outreach.
For passengers, the change brings better facilities, more space, and the prospect of more schedules — along with new logistics to learn:
- A different ride to the airport
- Fresh terminal maps and updated signs
- Adjusted procedures at check-in, security, and boarding
The advice from Vietnam Airlines remains clear: build in time, check your airport code, and follow updates from official channels as opening day nears.
As the clock ticks toward the exact switchover — closure of the old field at 23:59 on September 8 and first full operations at 00:01 on September 9 — the message is consistency and preparation. Tickets change automatically from PNH to KTI; flight numbers stay the same; and help is available across the airline’s digital and in-person touchpoints.
Summary table: Phase capacities
| Phase | Capacity (annual passengers) |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 13 million |
| Phase 2 | 30 million (planned) |
| Phase 3 | 50 million (planned) |
Techo International Airport is built to carry Phnom Penh’s air travel into its next chapter.
This Article in a Nutshell
Techo International Airport replaces Phnom Penh International at 00:01 on September 9, 2025. Vietnam Airlines auto-updates tickets from PNH to KTI, keeps flight numbers, and advises arriving three hours early. Phase 1 handles 13 million passengers, with expansions to 30 million and 50 million planned to boost capacity and routes.
