Cambodia News (Phnom Penh): The Phnom Penh International Airport, also known as Pochentong Airport, is set to close its doors once the new Phnom Penh International Airport officially opens next year. In a recent interview with a local television station, HE Sin Chanserivutha, spokesman for the Cambodian Civil Aviation, confirmed that the capital city will not maintain two airports simultaneously. The fate of Pochentong Airport remains uncertain, with decisions regarding its future to be made at a later date.

Pochentong Airport, Cambodia's first airport, was constructed in 1957 and commenced operations on April 1, 1959, under the management and investment of a French company. The airport underwent a name change on January 20, 2003, becoming known as Phnom Penh International Airport.

The new Phnom Penh International Airport, which will be named Takhmao Techo International Airport, is a joint venture between the Overseas Cambodian Investment Company (OCIC) and the Cambodian government. With an investment of approximately $1.5 billion, the project is now more than 65 percent complete.

As the opening of Takhmao Techo International Airport approaches, the aviation landscape in Cambodia's capital is poised for a significant transformation. The new state-of-the-art facility is expected to enhance the country's aviation capabilities and accommodate the growing demand for air travel in the region. However, the impending closure of Pochentong Airport marks the end of an era for the historic gateway that has served Phnom Penh for over six decades.

So glad that is was not operating today . This morning I waited one and a half hours at the bus stop for a bus to Takhmau. Ended up catching a Tuk-tuk.

Tootsfriend wrote: ↑Sat Apr 13, 2024 10:31 am So glad that is was not operating today . This morning I waited one and a half hours at the bus stop for a bus to Takhmau. Ended up catching a Tuk-tuk.

The city bus operates at a very limited capacity (if at all) during big public holidays because the buses are used for people to go to the countryside.

rogerrabbit wrote: ↑Sat Apr 13, 2024 12:31 pm

Tootsfriend wrote: ↑Sat Apr 13, 2024 10:31 am So glad that is was not operating today . This morning I waited one and a half hours at the bus stop for a bus to Takhmau. Ended up catching a Tuk-tuk.

The city bus operates at a very limited capacity (if at all) during big public holidays because the buses are used for people to go to the countryside.

Great, tell that to the international travellers wanting to catch their plane after the new terminal opens.

Tootsfriend wrote: ↑Sat Apr 13, 2024 12:46 pm

rogerrabbit wrote: ↑Sat Apr 13, 2024 12:31 pm

Tootsfriend wrote: ↑Sat Apr 13, 2024 10:31 am So glad that is was not operating today . This morning I waited one and a half hours at the bus stop for a bus to Takhmau. Ended up catching a Tuk-tuk.

The city bus operates at a very limited capacity (if at all) during big public holidays because the buses are used for people to go to the countryside.

Great, tell that to the international travellers wanting to catch their plane after the new terminal opens.

Yeah, there's a suggested income requirement to be considered an international traveler, if your relying on a developing nations VERY EARLY developing busline

Maybe find a new place to see?

I already miss the previous iteration when it had 12 check in desks and a cute water feature by the entrance.

I wonder if they'll do anything interesting with it. It could become a bus station, park and shopping mall with minimal renovation or will they fence it off for 10 years and eventually build a bunch of flats that will be bought by people with no interest in living there?

ali baba wrote: ↑Sat Apr 13, 2024 1:01 pm I already miss the previous iteration when it had 12 check in desks and a cute water feature by the entrance.

I wonder if they'll do anything interesting with it. It could become a bus station, park and shopping mall with minimal renovation or will they fence it off for 10 years and eventually build a bunch of flats that will be bought by people with no interest in living there?

My guess is they lease or hand over the land to OCIC, and they build apartment buildings. Constructing a park or something similar would make too much sense. In Siem Reap, they leased the old airport land to the developer who built the new airport, and now they are planning to construct an 'entertainment hub for tourists'—who knows what that means.

Golf facility perhaps ... ?

rogerrabbit wrote: ↑Sat Apr 13, 2024 1:18 pm

ali baba wrote: ↑Sat Apr 13, 2024 1:01 pm I already miss the previous iteration when it had 12 check in desks and a cute water feature by the entrance.

I wonder if they'll do anything interesting with it. It could become a bus station, park and shopping mall with minimal renovation or will they fence it off for 10 years and eventually build a bunch of flats that will be bought by people with no interest in living there?

My guess is they lease or hand over the land to OCIC, and they build apartment buildings. Constructing a park or something similar would make too much sense. In Siem Reap, they leased the old airport land to the developer who built the new airport, and now they are planning to construct an 'entertainment hub for tourists'—who knows what that means.

I think it was already reported that the old airport will be still used for international cargo flights and local flights within Cambodia.