Why Did Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) Close in September 2025?
For nearly seven decades, Phnom Penh International Airport (IATA: PNH, ICAO: VDPP) — originally known as Pochentong Airport — served as Cambodia’s primary international gateway. However, because the single-runway site sits just 10 kilometres west of downtown Phnom Penh along Russian Confederation Boulevard, urban residential growth surrounded the airfield and prevented runway expansion for long-haul widebody jets.
In September 2025, operations officially transferred overnight to Techo International Airport (IATA: KTI, ICAO: VDTI), a new 2,600-hectare, 4F-class international hub located 35 kilometres south of the capital across Kandal and Takeo provinces. Following the parallel precedent set when Siem Reap Angkor (SAI) replaced old REP in October 2023, PNH retired from commercial passenger service the same night KTI opened.
- Old Code (Closed Sept 2025): PNH / VDPP (Pochentong, 10 km west of central Phnom Penh).
- New Code (Active 2026): KTI / VDTI (Techo International Airport, 35 km south of central Phnom Penh).
- All valid Cambodia eVisas issued for Phnom Penh are honoured seamlessly at KTI.
Do Not Book Hotels Near the Old PNH Airport For an Early Flight!Many third-party hotel booking sites still label properties along Russian Confederation Boulevard as "Phnom Penh Airport Hotels". Those hotels are beside the closed PNH runway and are 45–60 minutes away from the new Techo International Airport (KTI). For quick access to KTI, stay in southern Phnom Penh (BKK1, Mean Chey, or along Hun Sen Boulevard).
What Changed Between Old PNH and New KTI for Visa & Arrival Procedures?
Beyond the new location and IATA code (KTI), the arrival experience in 2026 is completely paperless compared to how travellers used to clear old PNH years ago. You no longer fill out paper immigration cards on the plane or receive paper slips stapled into your passport.
Instead, every passenger landing at KTI must hold a Cambodia e-Arrival Card QR code ($20 Standard, $35 Rush, or $60 Super Rush) alongside their Cambodia eVisa ($80 Tourist or $90 Business), and receives an electronic v-Pass by email immediately upon clearing KTI immigration.
- Apply for your Cambodia eVisa with just your passport bio page — no portrait photo or flight ticket upload required.
- Complete your Cambodia e-Arrival Card QR code within 7 days of landing (or pre-book anytime and we file automatically when the window opens).
- Read our dedicated Techo International Airport (KTI) arrival guide for terminal maps and transport options.