A brief history of Phnom Penh International Airport before its September 9 closure

Phnom Penh — Phnom Penh International Airport will end its mission on September 9, 2025, after 66 years serving aviation. Pochentong International Airport was renamed Phnom Penh International Airport on January 15, 2003. It was first established in 1924 during the French protectorate. The terminal and control tower were designed by French architect Pierre Dufau (1908–1985). The VIP arrival pavilion was designed by leading Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann and built in 1963 as a steel structure covered with fabric panels. * Initial construction (1924) The French protectorate government established the small Pochentong airfield in 1924, mainly to serve the military and transport documents within the French Indochina aviation network. * Use during World War II and the Japanese occupation (1941–1945) During Japan’s occupation of Cambodia, the airport was expanded for military purposes, but not rebuilt. Japanese forces used it for troop movements and logistics. * From the 1960s to the present During the Khmer Rouge period, the airport became the only location for supplying Phnom Penh’s needs after the Khmer Rouge took control of water and land routes in April 1975. Following the fall of the Khmer Republic, it was almost entirely closed to international travel, except for a few direct flights from Beijing and Pyongyang. These carried cadres to train the new government, as well as Cambodian intellectuals and diplomats who voluntarily returned home. The airport’s next mission will transfer to the modern 4F Techo International Airport. Its ability to receive aircraft of all types and sizes will attract tourists and air cargo from around the world, reflecting Cambodia’s continuing development and prestige under peace. Preah Sihanouk Provincial Television — By: ចិន្តា ទីទិ