Cambodia: PM Hun Manet, “Pochentong airport is not for sale”

The Royal Government of Cambodia has reaffirmed that Phnom Penh International Airport will remain state-owned, underlining its historical importance and strategic value in the event of an emergency.

Pochentong Airport

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet made the statement at the 80th anniversary ceremony of the Cambodian National Police, held at the Kandal Province Police Academy on May 16, 2025.

Responding to recent rumors on social networks about the potential sale of the airport following the transfer of operations to the new Techo International Airport in July, the Prime Minister clarified that Cambodia Airports holds the operating rights, but that the government has always owned the airport land.

He stressed that any future development of the site must respect its historical heritage, serve the public interest and remain state property.

Phnom Penh International Airport, also known as Pochentong Airport, is scheduled to cease operations at midnight on July 9, 2025, with all flights and services transferred to the new Techo International Airport.

Created in the 1950s, during the era of King Norodom Sihanouk's Sangkum Reastr Niyum, the airport witnessed Cambodia's transition from colonial rule to independence and modernization. It played a vital role during Cambodia's civil war, serving as a vital lifeline for military and civilian supplies amidst heavy fighting and rocket attacks. The airport's last flight before the fall of Phnom Penh to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 marked the end of an era, after which it saw limited activity under the Pol Pot regime.

In terms of potential uses, the airport is designated to remain state property primarily for its historical value and as a strategic facility for emergency landings. The government intends to preserve the site as national property, with plans to maintain the existing infrastructure and eventually create a permanent exhibition to showcase its rich history. The exhibition would serve both educational and commemorative purposes, and symbolize Cambodia's rise from colonialism and conflict to renaissance and growth.

According to the government, the preservation effort aims to honor the legacy of the millions of Cambodians who have passed through the airport, and to provide future generations with a tangible link to the nation's past. In addition, preservation of the airport supports public interest and emergency preparedness, ensuring that it remains a valuable government resource even after the transfer of commercial operations to the new Techo International Airport in July 2025.

Located around 20 kilometers south of Phnom Penh and covering 2,600 hectares in the provinces of Kandal and Takeo, Techo International Airport is designed to handle over 15 million passengers a year in its first phase. The government holds a 10% stake in the new airport through the State Secretariat for Civil Aviation, with the remaining 90% held by the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC).