K andal and Takeo provinces are abuzz with anticipation as the first phase of Techo International Airport's construction nears completio...
Kandal and Takeo provinces are abuzz with anticipation as the first phase of Techo International Airport's construction nears completion. With an expected finish date in October, the airport, bearing the IATA code KTI, is poised to transform the region's aviation landscape.
According to the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, construction progress stands at an impressive 66.1 percent as of February 27. Terminals, power supply centers, airfield infrastructure, and the air traffic control tower are all well underway, with completion percentages ranging from 58.6 to 100 percent.
Managed by Cambodia Airport Investment Co., Ltd., the $961 million project embodies a groundbreaking public-private partnership. Overseas Cambodia Investment Corporation (OCIC) holds a commanding 90 percent stake, with the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation claiming the remaining 10 percent.
Spanning over 2,600 hectares, Techo International Airport is slated to become a Class 4F international hub. Its construction unfolds across three phases, with Phase 1 set from 2020 to 2030. Upon completion, it will boast the capacity to accommodate 13 million passengers and handle 175,000 tonnes of cargo annually.
Techo International Airport is not just a modern marvel; it signals the retirement of Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), which has dutifully served since 1995 under a 45-year concession. The transition underscores Cambodia's commitment to advancing its aviation infrastructure to meet growing demands.
Amidst the anticipation, negotiations with Cambodia Airports, the managing body of PNH, and Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS), remain uncertain. Changes in ownership and management have added complexity, but officials are optimistic about aligning interests for a smooth transition.
Prime Minister Hun Manet is set to lead a delegation of high-ranking officials on a visit to inspect the airport's progress on March 12. His presence underscores the government's commitment to ensuring the timely and successful completion of this landmark project.
As the countdown to Techo International Airport's inauguration continues, excitement mounts not only in Kandal and Takeo but across Cambodia and beyond. With its completion heralding a new era of air travel, the world watches with anticipation as this ambitious endeavor takes flight.
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