During my review trip, I had a layover at Techo International Airport (KTI), which is the new international airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The airport only opened in September 2025, so it’s about two months old. This was a pretty interesting layover for a couple of reasons, which I’d like to share in this post.
In this post:
International transit, a foreign concept at Techo Airport
First for some background, let me explain why I had a layover in Cambodia, of all places. Long story short, I found a good Etihad first class fare out of Techo Airport (in order to review the carrier’s new A321LR first class). On top of that, I was able to book Singapore Airlines’ 737 MAX business class to the airport, letting me check out yet another product that has been on my list.
Now, I can’t imagine that Techo Airport gets many transit passengers, and I wasn’t 100% sure I’d be able to transit airside without entering the country. Cambodia has a visa requirement, though you can get a visa on arrival. So my approach was simple — I’d try to do an international transit while staying airside, and if that wasn’t possible, I’d simply get a visa on arrival. No big deal, right?
Upon arrival at Techo Airport, I headed into the arrivals hall, and was shocked to see clear signage for international transit — hey, this is going to be easy!
After following the signage in the direction of international transit, I found myself at a counter. I presented my mobile boarding pass for my Etihad flight, and the immigration officer looked at it confused. He gestured for me to take a seat, and said “someone from the airline will come.”
So I walked away from the counter for a second, but then thought, “wait a second, that makes no sense.” My connection wasn’t for about six hours, and it was clear to me he wasn’t actually calling anyone to meet me, since he didn’t take down any information. So I politely walked back to the counter, and said “excuse me, how long until someone from the airline comes?”
At this point he took another look at my boarding pass, took pictures of it with his phone, and made a couple of phone calls. Then he sent me around the corner, where there was actually an international transit security checkpoint. Okay, that makes more sense.
There were two separate scanning lanes, and a total of five people staffing this checkpoint. I thought to myself “well maybe they have more people connecting internationally than I would’ve assumed.”
But as I walked up to the scanner, the security person sort of had a deer-in-headlights look on her face, as if they weren’t actually expecting anyone.
I showed her my boarding pass, and she took a picture of it. Then she called over someone else, who also looked at my boarding pass and took a picture of it. Then that person got on the phone. Then someone else showed up who — you guessed it — took a picture of my boarding pass, and got on the phone. Who is getting all of these pictures and phone calls?!?
What’s bizarre here is that they weren’t actually asking me any questions about where I was coming from, and there was no indication that anything was wrong. I even asked if everything was okay or if they needed anything else, and they said everything was fine. As I said above, if they had told me I needed to clear immigration, I would’ve been totally fine with it, but they didn’t.
I stood at the security checkpoint for around 20 minutes, as they went back and forth and were talking about my situation. There were no other transit passengers during that entire time, for what it’s worth.
Eventually I was cleared to go, so everything was fine. I placed all my items on the scanner to the right side, though then they realized it wasn’t working, or something. So then they asked me to place my items on the left scanner. Then they determined that scanner wasn’t working either, or something.
So they carried all my luggage through the metal detectors and to the other end. Then I had a group of people simultaneously going through every millimeter of my luggage, taking apart everything. It was as thorough as you’d expect to be searched if you were in secondary and suspected of drug trafficking, or something (instead of having already cleared security at another airport). After that, I was sent on my way!
I’ve gotta say, this has to be the most bizarre international transit situation I’ve ever experienced. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had much less pleasant international transit experiences (hiiiii, Cairo!), but nothing quite this strange.
Like, they had specific signage for international transit, and they had a very well staffed international transit security checkpoint. Yet seemingly they weren’t actually set up to handle transit passengers, or something? I’m not sure if they just weren’t expecting a transit passenger on Etihad, or what, but it’s strange how neither scanner worked either. Anyway…
Techo Airport might be the most beautiful in the world!
This was my first time passing through Techo Airport (obviously… it just opened two months ago), but damn, this is a gorgeous facility. Purely in terms of architecture, this might be the prettiest midsize airport I’ve ever seen.
I guess the airport initially has the capacity for 13 million passengers per year, but it’s definitely not at capacity yet. During my extended layover, it never got busy at all. Seriously, have you seen a prettier airport terminal?!
Unsurprisingly, the shopping and dining weren’t particularly impressive. However, the lounge situation was good, with both a Plaza Premium and Plaza Premium First Lounge (I wouldn’t have expected there to be the latter). I’ll of course be reviewing those when I publish my full trip report.
Bottom line
Phnom Penh’s new Techo Airport is absolutely gorgeous, probably the prettiest midsize airport I’ve ever seen. What a pleasant surprise.
When it comes to international transit at the airport (for the two other people considering this), there’s good news and bad news. The good news is that it’s possible. The bad news is that it doesn’t really seem like they’re set up for this, despite the signage, the dedicated security checkpoint, etc. What an unusual transit experience this was!
Anyone have a guess of what exactly is up here?
Hi Ben, - thanks for writing this. I had a very similar experience at Phnom Penh Techo Airport:
I followed the “International transfer” signage, but once I reached immigration, the staff seemed unsure what to do with me.
I was made to wait and sit 20 min no action happened, then told I needed to pay for a visa on arrival - even though I didn’t plan to enter Cambodia.
After paying,...
Hi Ben, - thanks for writing this. I had a very similar experience at Phnom Penh Techo Airport:
I followed the “International transfer” signage, but once I reached immigration, the staff seemed unsure what to do with me.
I was made to wait and sit 20 min no action happened, then told I needed to pay for a visa on arrival - even though I didn’t plan to enter Cambodia.
After paying, I went through immigration and re-entered the departure area - only to be told later by airline staff that I should’ve been able to stay in the transit zone without a visa.
I appreciate how you described the airport’s beauty, but the transit process clearly isn’t yet fully functional or consistent with the signage.
Hopefully, other travelers reading your post (and mine) will encourage the airport authorities to streamline the process.
Thanks again for sharing - I’m open to trying the transfer again once things are clarified.
I don't think Cambodia has ever had international transit before since the old airport was so small. They probably legitimately did not know what to do yet lol. Hopefully they get this sorted quickly.
Has anyone travel from the airport to the city? What's the commute like? I know it's farther than the older one
It’s interesting how Techo Airport seems both modern and unprepared at the same time.puti
Seems like simply a training issue - they had absolutely no idea - their training was probably "stand there". You may even have been their first ever transit passenger. Cambodia is not exactly an international hub airport other than for the two Cambodian airlines, whose passengers are by definition starting or ending their journeys there. Delhi is another with a below par transit experience, where you're better off going through immigration (with an online applied...
Seems like simply a training issue - they had absolutely no idea - their training was probably "stand there". You may even have been their first ever transit passenger. Cambodia is not exactly an international hub airport other than for the two Cambodian airlines, whose passengers are by definition starting or ending their journeys there. Delhi is another with a below par transit experience, where you're better off going through immigration (with an online applied eVisa) in less than half the time transit can take.
The writer has an art for exaggeration
Damn you beat me to the KL Merdeka Hyatt (which i canceled after they opened early and I found out I wouldn't be there opening weekend) and the new Techo airport! Glad being polite worked in the end for transit, it usually does in SE Asia. Safe travels.
If both flights were redeemed separately (as I understand yes) then that is a good news. As I know the old PNH airport ONLY accept paper boarding pass for international transit.
Did he ask if Sum Ting Wong? lol
Lame.
Get some new material.
funny
Racist. I guess your a Trump supporter who can’t even find the US in a map, let alone Kampuchea.
Trashy
Had a similar experience in the old PNH airport. After surprised looks and a lot of communication, I failed to get through because my connecting flight was on a separately issued ticket. It took 30 minutes and payment of $30 visa on arrival to enter the country, go through immigration, and enter the departure hall.
Having traveled through there for the past 20 years, you failed to mention the "conga Line" of immigration officers sitting at the row of desks who invented the $5 gets you faster service and then we'll hand back your passport. It's a wonderful country, but they have their issues. This is pretty common, but it's getting better.
What an experience, or something.
You noticed this too!
Somebody from the. USA is complaining about international connections? You made my day.
You read my mind…
Hit nail on head .
“Seriously, have you seen a prettier airport terminal?!”
Similar to another person - you really need to see the new PDX - it's won global awards for both design and its use of sustainable material sand practices, while cutting energy usage. So, yes, I have seen a prettier airport terminal.
Kelly, have you seen the Jewel, at SIN? Now, most people I meet agree that it is an exceptional airport experience. In my book it certainly deserves its Five Star World Ranking for customer satisfaction, etc.
I think it just means that they future-proofly built an airport with an international transit capability while they don't yet have much international transit if anything at all.
Probably better than the opposite (e.g. Antalya or the old Almaty airport) where international transit happens, but the airport isn't designed for it.
So here it's just a matter of training staff which, the airport being two-month old, I believe we can accept as a minor inconvenience.
Ben I wish you would dedicate a bit more attention to design and architecture, beyond just saying things are 'pretty.' Techo airport was designed by Foster + Partners so this is a very serious piece of architecture. There are references to Cambodian materials and design styles, and some solid sustainability goals as well. The same firm designed terminals or whole airports at PEK, AMM, HKG and STN to name a few, and Stansted in particular...
Ben I wish you would dedicate a bit more attention to design and architecture, beyond just saying things are 'pretty.' Techo airport was designed by Foster + Partners so this is a very serious piece of architecture. There are references to Cambodian materials and design styles, and some solid sustainability goals as well. The same firm designed terminals or whole airports at PEK, AMM, HKG and STN to name a few, and Stansted in particular was very influential on later airport design. Foster famously said that his favourite-ever building was the Boeing 747, and is a licensed pilot. He designed Cathay's first class seats, as well as the Capella Singapore that you mentioned recently. I think it would be interesting to make a bit more of these connections, and maybe give more of a shout out to the creatives behind the designs you admire.
Charlie, one concurs with much of what you post and I have no intention to add a ‘but’. However, in Ben’s defence, he has posted the pictures which depicts the terminal as he found it during his visit.
From what some of us see in the photographs, the descriptive word “Pretty”, is a stretch of one’s imagination.
Well-said, Charlie! I would only add that, in my book, AMM is the most stunning of Foster's airport designs, the usual quality enriched by a brilliant invocation of vernacular Bedouin tents in the concrete shell structure. Sadly, with RJ being the perennial laggard that it is, few people get to see it.
(I do have to also add that, IMHO, the new Mexico City airport (shamefully cancelled by the previous president) would have been...
Well-said, Charlie! I would only add that, in my book, AMM is the most stunning of Foster's airport designs, the usual quality enriched by a brilliant invocation of vernacular Bedouin tents in the concrete shell structure. Sadly, with RJ being the perennial laggard that it is, few people get to see it.
(I do have to also add that, IMHO, the new Mexico City airport (shamefully cancelled by the previous president) would have been a blemish on Foster's legacy as an airport terminal designer - it was both over- and under-designed, something I witnessed up close at the time. But that's way off topic.)
OT, I hadn’t really considered it before as I rarely passed through airport terminals during my working travels, however, in the case of AMM, I have done so and would tend to agree with you. The natural light changes due to particularly nasty storm conditions was almost as dramatic as the Northern Lights in full glow.
Whatever their original intentions were for stansted, its turned into a horrible airport that I actively try to avoid.
We flew into Phnom Penh in January this year. We didn’t see the new airport but we did see the one in siem reap. It was massssssive and barely had any flights. Only one shop open.
I suspect many visitors fly into Bangkok or Vietnam and then travel in/out of Cambodia by bus for just $10.00 each way.
I was there a few weeks ago and concur it’s “pretty” but you have to be there to really experience the vast empty fabulousness of it. I went from taxi to airside in less than 10 minutes. Highly recommended (and Phnom Penh)
“Seriously, have you seen a prettier airport terminal?!” Is your jet lag affecting your perception Ben? From the photographs which you have published, one can see little that can be described as “Prettier” than many, many other international airports, yes?
Agreed.
They probably didn’t expect an Etihad passenger to come through. Qatar and Vietnam Airlines operate connecting, international flights through KTI, so you were probably the first customer from a different airline and they had to check if they can let you through - with a mobile boarding pass no less!
Good to know that no need for a visa… been avoiding Cambodia because I thought thy had a strict visa like Vietnam! Next time I’m in the region, I’ll stop in Cambodia for few days!
Cambodia is a wonderful country. And has visa on arrival.
You definitely need a visa if you are staying for a few days unless you are on their country visa waiver list.
Late next year we are arriving in Phnom Penh by ship from My Tho and departing three days later by air to CNX. Our travel advisor states that we will Visa in when the ship docks; I’ll be interested to see if that form of transit raises a red flag. It shouldn’t, but one never knows. Can’t wait to experience the new KTI.
If Ben reports it’s pretty, it’s pretty. Give the guy a break.
I read it as "Techno airport" several times.. funky!
that'd be awesome, you land and Tiesto is DJing in the arrivals terminal lol.
If Tiësto is playing, I'm going.
What’s wild to me is that the international terminal at PNH only underwent expansion from the old domestic terminal and opened in late 2015. When we were there in early 2016 parts were still opening and there were problems with large numbers of birds and mosquitoes inside as it wasn’t sealed properly in the late stages of construction. Only in a country as corrupt as Cambodia could a sparkly new terminal only have a 9.5 year lifespan.
I mean the airport looks fine? I'm not sure what's so "beautiful" about it. It looks like tall ceilings and mostly empty space.
I could care less about how nice an airport looks as long as it's clean, efficient, and not overly crowded.
Bangalore T2 is another beautiful mid size terminal
Pretty similar at CGK...although in the past CGK demanded a physical boarding pass for transit. But also lots of photos, calls, as well as guarantee letter from the airline (done behind the scenes). These places don't seem to have a strict concept of airside...once off the plane you are in their country.
Yes, that was my thought. I’ve had a similar experience, without the searching, at CGK.
Shocked they let you use a mobile boarding pass! Never have I ever been able to use or get a mobile boarding pass departing a Cambodian airport. I tried to use a perfectly legitimate printed one at the old PNH airport in August and got yelled at and sent back to the check in counter.
Maybe with the new airport they are equipped to handle mobile passes. As of a few months ago the new SAI airport was still not allowing mobile.
In developing and middle-income countries a physical boarding card is always preferable.
Scambodia showing off — once again — its incompetence.
1) Techo looks beautiful, but I think Bangalore (Kempegowda airport's new terminal) has it beat. Take a look at pictures online. 2) I love how airport experiences often are reflective of that nation's or that city's culture. Sometimes stressful and dirty. Sometimes awkward and funny. Sometimes a snooze fest. Sometimes chaos on a stick. It's a little window into what you're about to walk into, or what you're just returning from. It's fun and fascinating...
1) Techo looks beautiful, but I think Bangalore (Kempegowda airport's new terminal) has it beat. Take a look at pictures online. 2) I love how airport experiences often are reflective of that nation's or that city's culture. Sometimes stressful and dirty. Sometimes awkward and funny. Sometimes a snooze fest. Sometimes chaos on a stick. It's a little window into what you're about to walk into, or what you're just returning from. It's fun and fascinating (and sometimes excruciatingly annoying) to experience.
Is it possible you were the first international transfer they've had in the two months they've been open (or the first for those employees)?
Wow, that’s a really nice design. Have you seen the new SAI airport yet? Glad things have calmed down with Thailand. Save travels!
We’re going through Techo in February, and I can’t wait.
Chinese built beautiful airports these days
And here's a chicken dinner for you.
Exactly... Cambodia is building new airports because China wants Cambodia to buy new airports from them. Siem Reap isn't a big city. The "new" airport is literally in the middle of nowhere, and you drive for more than half an hour through countryside. Also, I found it really ironic that the new Siem Reap airport had "American Standard" sinks. Made me wonder where they were made in China.
How does the transit experience compare to Manila?! ;)
Just got back from Techo, and couldn't believe what a beautiful and clean facility it was. Kudos.
We were entering on a 3day trip (inbound from Bangkok, outbound to Singapore) to view the Killing Fields museums and others, and man did it take foreverrrrrrrr to enter. A bit too thorough. Guess I can't blame them.
And can confirm that the taking pictures of everything, for no apparent reason or benefit, is totally a thing there. lol
In September 1994 I arrived at Osaka Kansasai on Northwest from Honolulu. Transitting on to Ansett's brand new 747 to Sydney via .Brisbane with 8 hour transit. I arrived at transit desk and the Japanese staff didn't know what to do. I must have been first Ansett transfer passenger! They were polite and told me to come back about 5-6 hours later when Ansett staff came.
They just took a picture because you're a handsome devil :)
To be fair, South East Asia transits are often quite strange and fun in the way there seems to be a hidden bureaucracy to everything. I have found that just keeping calm and keeping track of all your things with a sprinkle of patience goes a long way.
I don't recall if you've been to Cambodia before, but it'd a lovely place to visit