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Tourists flocked to cities in Thailand after watching season 3 of The White Lotus, and now Cambodia is offering a new element to drive tourism. Cambodia, which shares a border with Thailand, has officially opened what is being hailed as one of the world’s greenest airports — Techo International Airport (KTI) — marking a defining moment in the nation’s emergence as a regional hub for sustainable travel, trade, and tourism. Inaugurated last month by Prime Minister Hun Manet, the new Phnom Penh gateway was unveiled in a landmark ceremony attended by ambassadors and executive leaders from France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Indonesia and Singapore, alongside major business chambers from across Europe, North America, and ASEAN. Operated by France’s VINCI Airports and designed by Foster + Partners, the airport symbolizes Cambodia’s growing connectivity and commitment to innovation in green infrastructure. Located just outside the capital, the 2,600-hectare site will be powered almost entirely by solar energy from an on-site photovoltaic farm. Built with 90% Cambodian labor, the terminal’s modular structure allows for future expansion while minimizing environmental impact. A sweeping single roof canopy shelters the airport’s passenger, security, and retail areas, supported by 36-meter structural “trees” and 180 skylights that flood the building with natural daylight, dramatically reducing energy use. “Techo International Airport is a celebration of Cambodian culture and light,” said Stefan Behling, Head of Studio at Foster + Partners. “It is also one of the most sustainable airports in the region, filled with natural daylight and incredible local greenery, and offering strong visual connections to the outside. The terminal holistically transforms the experience of travel for the people of Cambodia and the millions of visitors who will travel through here every year.” Senior Partner Nikolai Malsch added that the design “blends technological innovation with references to Cambodia’s built heritage,” with warm, natural materials ensuring comfort while reflecting the nation’s identity. “The modular lightweight shell structure and layered soffit filters daylight into the building — allowing people to experience the evolving qualities of the external environment throughout the day,” Malsch said. “Our design blends technological innovation with references to Cambodia’s built heritage. Interior materials are warm and welcoming to ensure the highest level of passenger comfort, while reinforcing the country’s unique identity.” Developed by Cambodia Airport Investment Co. (CAIC) — a joint venture between the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) and the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) — the project stands as a milestone in public-private collaboration. “Techo International Airport is a symbol of Cambodia’s progress and its growing role as a hub for travel, trade, and tourism in Southeast Asia,” said Pung Kheav Se, Chairman of CAIC and OCIC. The new hub currently handles 31 airlines, 44 routes, and 130 daily flights, serving around 13,500 passengers per day. SIA Engineering Company, a subsidiary of the Singapore Airlines Group, will provide aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services at the airport. In coming months, new routes will further expand Cambodia’s global reach. Etihad Airways launched direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Phnom Penh on October. 4, Air Cambodia began Tokyo service on October 26, and Turkish Airlines will inaugurate flights from Istanbul on December 10. “Techo International Airport will be the first warm welcome many visitors receive in Cambodia — reflecting our hospitality and culture,” said Minea Kim, Chief Executive Officer of the Cambodia Tourism Board. “Cambodia is committed to offering experiences that inspire and delight travelers.” Beyond connectivity, the airport’s design integrates sustainability and well-being — overlooking a new public park and incorporating plans for high-speed rail links to reduce car dependence. With its solar-powered systems, water efficiency, and low-carbon design, the airport positions Phnom Penh as a leader in environmentally conscious infrastructure. The opening also enhances access to Cambodia’s luxury and cultural destinations, from Phnom Penh’s Michelin Key-rated hotels to UNESCO candidate sites like Angkor Borei and Phnom Da, and eco-luxury retreats such as Shinta Mani Wild and Six Senses Krabey Island.
