New Phnom Penh International Airport Opens With French Partners
- La Rédaction
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
Cambodia today inaugurates Techo International Airport (KTI), a landmark project south of Phnom Penh that marks a new era in the country's connectivity. With a capacity of 13 million passengers a year in its first phase, the new airport positions Cambodia as a strategic hub for trade, tourism and investment.
This opening also illustrates the strength of cooperation with French partners. Groups such as VINCI Airports, Lagardère Travel Retail, Newrest and TotalEnergies play a central role in this project. The French footprint can also be seen in the skies: the vast majority of the fleet of aircraft registered in Cambodia is made up of Airbus, confirming the major role played by French players in the aeronautics industry in the development of the country's aviation sector.
Their contribution comes at a symbolic time: in 2026, Cambodia will host the Francophonie Summit, bringing together the leaders of the French-speaking world, including French President Emmanuel Macron. KTI will be one of the gateways to this event, highlighting the deep historical and cultural links between Cambodia and the French-speaking community. Today, nearly half a million Cambodians speak French and more than 5,000 French nationals live in the country.
Developed by Cambodia Airport Investment Co, Ltd (CAIC), a subsidiary of Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) in partnership with the Secretariat of State for Civil Aviation, Techo International Airport is one of OCIC's major projects and reflects the group's more than 25 years of commitment to the Cambodian economy.
"Techo International Airport reflects Cambodia's ambition to connect to the world while honouring its heritage. It is both a national symbol and an international gateway. We are delighted to welcome travellers and investors, offering them new opportunities for business, tourism and collaboration in Cambodia", said Pung Kheav Se, President of OCIC and CAIC, and himself a French-speaking Cambodian entrepreneur.
To offer operations of international standards, CAIC has chosen VINCI Airports, which has been managing Cambodian airports since 1995. Inside the terminal, Lagardère Travel Retail is enhancing the passenger experience with its flagship brands Aelia and Relay, combining international brands with regional specialities. Passengers will also find the French bakery Paul, catering services from Newrest, the Toulouse-based specialist turned global catering player, and health and wellness products from Ucare Pharmacy, a local chain founded by a French pharmacist.
"We are proud to bring our international expertise and local knowledge to make Techo International Airport a welcoming place for travellers. With Cambodia as the fifth market in our ASEAN network, we are pleased to bring our experience to Phnom Penh and offer passengers quality retail options," said Stefan Picard, CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail Cambodia.
The partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail Cambodia was also set up with the support of Convergences, which entrusted the recruitment and other aspects to the young Frenchwoman Ophélie Choisy.
Let us also mention Thalias Hospitaliy, founded by French businessman Arnaud Darc and the oepning of a Malis retaurant in the airport.
These partnerships also illustrate OCIC's proximity to the French-speaking world. The group relies on a team of young French executives occupying key positions within its various entities, notably: Thierry Tea, a former Airbus executive, now Vice-President of OCIC in charge of development strategy and digitalisation; Eva Berlinson in corporate responsibility initiatives; Jim Baldy in marketing; Laurène Belcour in engineering; Fabrice Filachet in education.
Thanks to these complementary areas of expertise, the group is strengthening its ties with French and European players and facilitating the implementation of strategic partnerships. The group now has more than 40 French nationals among its 250 expatriates, making it one of the leading employers of French nationals in Cambodia. OCIC is also a partner of the Institut Français du Cambodge, confirming its commitment to cultural, economic and professional cooperation with the French-speaking community.
Other partners close to France have also contributed to the project, such as the British firm Foster + Partners, in charge of the airport's design and architecture. Their vision has resulted in a complex that combines Khmer inspiration with modern sustainability. The domes evoke bamboo weaving, while a monumental nine-metre Buddha statue in the Abhayamudra pose welcomes passengers in a spirit of peace and serenity.
KTI is both an emblem of Cambodian identity and a gateway to the world, ready to welcome travellers and delegations to the 2026 Francophonie Summit.
About OCIC Group
Founded in 2000, Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) is one of Cambodia's largest private conglomerates, active in real estate, infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, media and distribution. With more than USD 15 billion invested and a team of 17,000 employees, OCIC is contributing to the country's economic growth and development.
Its emblematic projects include the Techo International Airport, the Intercare Hospital, the International French School of Phnom Penh, the Canadian International School, CamTech University, as well as major urban projects such as Koh Pich and Norea City. A member of the French Chamber of Commerce and the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia, OCIC promotes international cooperation and is one of the main employers of French nationals in the country.
Comments