Phnom Penh — The fate of the former Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), which served as Cambodia’s main air gateway since the 1950s, has been determined: it will not be sold, but repurposed for public benefit.
Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet made the affirmation this morning during the official inauguration of the new Techo International Airport (TIA) in Kandal province.
“The old airport is not for sale. It is state property under state control and currently maintained by the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, with an annual maintenance cost of about US$3 million,” the Premier stated, addressing recent public speculation about the land’s future.
Repurposing for Public Benefit
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet outlined several ways the approximately 200-hectare site will be preserved and utilized:
- Emergency Reserve: The facility will be maintained as a reserve runway to accommodate emergency landings if needed.
- Public Space: The land could be transformed into a public park and an aviation museum for the enjoyment and benefit of Phnom Penh residents.
The Phnom Penh International Airport, which had been in operation since 1959, officially ceased all flight operations on September 8, 2025, marking the full transition to the new TIA hub.