The ambitious endeavor to construct Techo International Airport in Cambodia is progressing smoothly, as confirmed by the Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson for the Secretariat of State for Civil Aviation, Sin Chansery Vutha. By the end of July 2024, the project had advanced past the 80% mark of its completion, with an investment rounding up to approximately USD 1.2 billion. This significant development is in alignment with the scheduled completion by the closing months of 2024.
Vutha reassured the public in a recent update that, provided there are no unexpected setbacks, the airport is to be officially opened by mid-2025. The inauguration ceremony is expected to be graced by the presence of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, highlighting the importance of this project to the country.
The Techo International Airport project came to fruition under the authorization of the Royal Government of Cambodia and is carried out by Cambodia Airport Investment Company (CAIC), a joint venture between the government and the OCIC Group. The project spans a massive area of 2,600 hectares located 20 kilometers south of the capital city, Phnom Penh, stretching out over Kandal and Takeo provinces.
Upon completion, Techo International Airport will boast the capabilities of a 4F airport classification, which allows it to handle long-haul transcontinental flights and accommodate some of the largest airplanes in operation today, such as the Airbus A380-800 and Boeing 747-800. At present, the construction site is bustling with activity, home to approximately 15,400 workers, where 90% of them are Khmer nationals.
The increase in construction workforce signals not just progress in physical infrastructure but also substantial socio-economic implications for the local communities, providing jobs and stimulating economic growth within the region.
Simultaneously, Sin Chansery Vutha provided insights into the performance of existing Cambodian airports — Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. Statistics for the first seven months of 2024 indicate a robust increase in traffic and utility: the airports collectively managed over 30,000 round-trip flights, indicating a 13% increase from the previous year. Additionally, these airports served more than three million passengers during this period, charting a 20% growth compared to 2023.
The transport of goods through these portals also saw a notable rise, with more than 42 million kilograms of goods moved, proving an impressive 44% increase. This burgeoning growth in airport activity reflects the growing need for the new, larger capacity Techo International Airport, as Cambodia enhances its capacity to manage both human and cargo traffic efficiently and effectively.
Furthermore, the establishment of Techo International Airport is poised to catalyze more than just air traffic efficiency. It is expected to act as a significant catalyst for business, tourism, and trade, further integrating Cambodia into the global market. With its strategic location and improved facilities, it promises to enhance connectivity within the Southeast Asian region and beyond, paving the way for increased economic integration and cultural exchange.
The timely completion and eventual operation of Techo International Airport stand to significantly bolster Cambodia’s transport infrastructure and economic stature on the global stage, paving a path toward increased commercial opportunities and international collaborations.
Source: Fresh News
