KANDAL, Cambodia, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Techo International Airport (TIA), which is the new airport for Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, commenced official operations on Tuesday, becoming the biggest airport in the Southeast Asian country.
The first commercial flight, operated by Air Cambodia, flew from Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, and landed at the TIA on Tuesday morning, receiving a water salute and a warm welcome from Mao Havannall, minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), and Tourism Minister Huot Hak.
In a post on official social media platforms, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said the official launch of Techo International Airport would further broaden Cambodia's connection to the world.
"The aviation sector is one of many ways to connect tourists, businesses, political networks, and multi-purpose missions," he said.
"As a major source of national revenue, it is driven by targeted policies to attract investment, strengthen diplomatic relations, and promote other destinations. Therefore, Cambodia has actively expanded and upgraded its international airports to meet growing travel demand, enhancing connectivity for travelers, especially those visiting Cambodia," he added.
Havannall said this was a historic milestone in the development of Cambodia's civil aviation.
He added that the TIA, with a dual-4-kilometer runway, is a 4F-level international airport that is capable of accommodating the landing of the world's largest aircraft such as Airbus A380 and Boeing 747.
The airport is able to handle approximately 13 million passengers a year in the first phase, he said.
Havannall said although the official operation was launched on Tuesday, the TIA's official inauguration ceremony will be held on Oct. 20 under the auspices of Prime Minister Hun Manet.
SSCA Secretary of State and Spokesperson Sinn Chanserey Vutha said the airport will facilitate passengers' travel and boost long-term tourism growth.
"We expect that we will get more tourist arrivals through this airport," he said.
Work on the airport project began in 2020, with the China State Construction Engineering Corporation being the contractor.
Invested by Cambodia Airport Investment Co., Ltd, the 1.5 billion U.S. dollar airport has been developed on an area of 2,600 hectares in southern Kandal and Takeo provinces, about 20 km from the capital Phnom Penh.
With the commencement of TIA operations, the old Phnom Penh International Airport was completely closed at midnight on Tuesday, as all commercial flights of air passengers and cargos were moved to the TIA, according to the SSCA.
Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia chapter, said the TIA will enhance Cambodia's image as a modern and accessible destination.
"Improved connectivity will attract more international airlines and travelers, showcasing Cambodia as a key player in the region," he told Xinhua.
Sinan said with its capacity to handle a large number of passengers, the airport will encourage an influx of tourists.
"This can lead to increased spending in the hospitality sector, cultural experiences, and local attractions, ultimately benefiting the overall tourism industry," he added.
Sinan said the airport is expected to stimulate economic growth by creating jobs, boosting local businesses, and increasing investments in infrastructure.
"It will also facilitate trade and commerce, providing a boost to various sectors beyond tourism," he added.
Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy under the Royal University of Phnom Penh, said the TIA will serve as a main gateway to Cambodia, providing greater flight capacity, modern facilities, and improved international connectivity.
"By accommodating more direct long-haul and regional flights, it will make travel to Cambodia more convenient and attractive for international tourists and investors," he told Xinhua.
Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia's economy in addition to garment, footwear and travel goods export, agriculture, and construction and real estate. ■
