One of the world's biggest airports reopens following massive £1.4bn makeover

One of the world's biggest airports has reopened following a huge £1.4billion renovation.

The international hub is set to welcome 30 million tourists after it relaunched last week.

The new Techo International Airport in Cambodia promises an ultra-modern door into the country.

It comes as part of a move to expand the nation's tourism, which has been rapidly growing in recent years.

According to the report compiled by Oun, Cambodia welcomed 2.95 million international tourists from January to May 2025, representing an 11.7 per cent year-on-year increase.

The new airport is replacing Phnom Penh International Airport as the city's main aviation hub and is located 20km to the south.

It officially opened on September 9.

Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Sen, said in a statement on social media that the new airport will further expand 'Cambodia's connection to the world'.

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.

'Cambodia has actively expanded and upgraded its international airports to meet growing travel demand, enhancing connectivity for travellers, especially those visiting Cambodia.'

The new building marked the opening by welcoming its first commercial Air Cambodia flight from China.

The aircraft was given a ceremonial water cannon salute where the Airbus A320 travelled underneath plumes of water from fire trucks as a mark of respect and appreciation, The Sun reported.

The terminal, which spans more than 240,000 square metres, will have three runways and is being developed in three phases.

Techo International Airport will be able to take 13 million passengers a year.

There are future plans for the hub to reach 30 and then 50 million.

At the core of the project is sustainability, and the airport's goal is to be one of the greenest airports in the world.

The project takes a sustainable design approach, combining the latest technology with local craftsmanship, whilst minimising running costs.

The state-of-the-art premises will also have duty free, food halls, shops and outlets.

Foster + Partners, who have designed the airport, previously said it has been 'inspired by the rich heritage and history of Cambodia and imagined as contemporary representation of Cambodian culture'.

Neighbouring Vietnam is also set to see the opening of its new hub next year.

Long Thanh International Airport in Vietnam hopes to open its doors in 2026, after years of construction.