It feels a bit surreal, doesn't it? For decades, if you flew into the heart of Cambodia, you were landing at Phnom Penh International Airport. You knew that specific humidity that hits your face the second you step off the plane. The short walk across the tarmac. The slightly chaotic but somehow charming arrivals hall.
But things changed fast.
As of late 2025, the airport most of us called "Pochentong" effectively retired from its role as the primary international gateway. It’s been replaced by the massive, shiny Techo Takhmao International Airport (KTI), located about 20 kilometers south of the city. Yet, if you're looking at a map of Phnom Penh today in early 2026, the old airport is still there. It hasn't vanished into the jungle.
Honestly, the "old" Phnom Penh International Airport is currently in a fascinating state of limbo that most travelers haven't quite figured out yet.
The Big Shift: From PNH to KTI
Let’s get the logistics out of the way first. On September 9, 2025, the "great migration" happened. Almost overnight, every major international carrier—Vietnam Airlines, Air Cambodia, Thai Airways, you name it—shifted their operations. If you book a flight to Phnom Penh today, your ticket will likely say KTI, not PNH.
So, is the old Phnom Penh International Airport dead? Not exactly.
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While the commercial frenzy has moved to the $1.5 billion mega-project in Kandal province, the original site in the Pou Senchey District has pivoted. It’s currently serving a mix of military operations, private charters, and "VIP" government flights. Think of it like a veteran athlete who’s retired from the big leagues but still shows up to play a few high-stakes exhibition games.
The transition wasn't just about more floor space. The old airport simply couldn't handle the big birds. It wasn't built for the Airbus A380 or the heavy-duty Boeing 747-8s that the government wants to lure into the country. By moving international traffic, Cambodia basically admitted that to be a global player, they needed a 4F-class facility.
Why Travelers Still Talk About the Old Airport
You’ve probably heard the rumors. People still try to book Grab rides to the old terminal. It happens.
The old Phnom Penh International Airport was only about 7 to 10 kilometers from the city center. You could be at your hotel in Riverside in 30 minutes if the traffic gods were kind. The new Techo Takhmao? That’s a 40-to-50-minute trek on a good day, even with the new expressways.
There's a real sense of nostalgia here. For many, Pochentong was the first thing they saw when they returned home after years abroad, or the first glimpse of a country rebuilding itself in the 90s.
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What’s happening at the site right now?
Currently, the government is tight-lipped about the long-term "master plan," but early 2026 reports suggest a few likely paths:
- A Military Stronghold: The Royal Cambodian Air Force has already increased its footprint there. It makes sense—the infrastructure is already built, and it's strategically located near National Road 4.
- The Cargo Hub Theory: There is a lot of chatter about turning part of the old runway area into a dedicated logistics center. Because it's so close to the city's industrial zones, it’s a goldmine for freight.
- Urban Redevelopment: Some urban planners are pushing for a "Green Zone" or a convention center. Imagine a massive park in the middle of a city that desperately needs more trees.
Navigating the New Reality of Phnom Penh International Airport
If you are planning a trip right now, don't let the name confusion trip you up. Most travel sites still list "Phnom Penh" as a destination, but the airport code is the thing you need to watch.
KTI is the new PNH. When you land at the new Techo Takhmao, you’re going to see a roof inspired by the Khmer krama (that traditional checkered scarf). It’s beautiful. It’s modern. It has 22 gates and can handle 13 million people a year. But it’s a different vibe.
The old airport, by comparison, felt like a neighborhood hub. You could practically see the street life from the terminal windows.
Dealing with the distance
The biggest hurdle for travelers in 2026 is the distance. The new airport is significantly further out.
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- Check the Light Rail: There have been constant talks about a light rail or underground metro linking the new airport to AEON Mall Mean Chey. It’s a work in progress, so check the latest local news when you land.
- Budget more for Grabs: A ride from KTI is going to cost you more than the old $10-15 fare from Pochentong.
- Timing is everything: If you have a 9:00 AM flight, you need to leave the city center by 6:00 AM. Seriously. Phnom Penh traffic is legendary for a reason.
A Legacy That Isn't Fading
It’s easy to look at the new glass-and-steel terminal and forget where it all started. Phnom Penh International Airport (the original one) survived the Khmer Rouge era, the UNTAC years, and the massive tourism boom of the 2010s. It was the gateway for the "Open Sky Policy" that changed Cambodia's economy forever.
Even as a military base or a future Special Economic Zone, that land carries the history of a nation’s rebirth.
So, next time you’re driving down National Road 4 and you see the old control tower, give it a nod. It’s the place that, for 66 years, taught Cambodia how to fly.
If you're heading to the city this week, make sure your transport is booked for Techo International (KTI) and not the old grounds. Most local drivers know the drill by now, but it's always worth a double-check on your booking confirmation. For the smoothest transition, look into the dedicated airport shuttle buses that now run every 30 minutes from the city's main transit hubs—they're the most reliable way to beat the morning rush without breaking the bank.