Phnom Penh International Airport

Phnom Penh International Airport
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Phnom Penh International Airport (IATA: PNH, ICAO: VDPP) is the primary international gateway to Cambodia and the busiest airport in the country. Serving the capital city of Phnom Penh, the airport is located approximately 10 kilometres west of the city centre along National Road 4. Operated by Cambodia Airports, a subsidiary of VINCI Airports, Phnom Penh International Airport handles millions of passengers annually and supports an expanding network of regional and long-haul destinations across Asia and beyond.


History

Phnom Penh International Airport was established in the 1960s and has played a pivotal role in Cambodia’s aviation development. Following periods of limited capacity and political instability, the airport underwent major renovations in the early 2000s to modernise its facilities.

The 2015–2016 expansion included enlarging the terminal, enhancing passenger flow, and improving runway and airfield systems. Today, the airport meets global safety standards under the operation of VINCI Airports.


Location

  • Distance from Phnom Penh: ~10 km from city centre
  • Address: Russian Federation Boulevard (National Road 4), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
  • Coordinates: 11°32′48″N 104°50′38″E

The airport’s strategic location along a major transport corridor makes it easily accessible by car, taxi, and ride-hailing services.


Terminals and Facilities

Phnom Penh International Airport features a modern integrated terminal complex with both domestic and international sections.

International Terminal

  • Duty-free shops
  • Retail and souvenir stores
  • International dining outlets
  • Immigration and customs services
  • Plaza Premium Lounge and airline lounges
  • Currency exchange and ATMs
  • SIM card booths & information counters

Domestic Terminal

  • Check-in counters
  • Comfortable waiting lounges
  • Café and convenience shops

General Facilities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Medical clinic
  • Baby rooms
  • Prayer rooms
  • Lost & Found
  • Car rentals
  • Short-term & long-term parking

Airlines and Destinations

Major Airlines Operating

  • Cambodia Angkor Air
  • Cambodia Airways
  • AirAsia & AirAsia Cambodia
  • Singapore Airlines & Scoot
  • Malaysia Airlines
  • Bangkok Airways
  • Vietnam Airlines & VietJet
  • China Airlines
  • Asiana Airlines
  • Cathay Pacific (and affiliates)

Key Destinations

  • Bangkok
  • Singapore
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Ho Chi Minh City
  • Seoul
  • Hong Kong
  • Guangzhou
  • Taipei
  • Shanghai
  • Siem Reap

Runways

  • Runway 05/23
  • Length: 3,000 m
  • Surface: Asphalt
  • Accommodates wide-body aircraft like Boeing 777 and Airbus A330.

Passenger Services

Shopping

  • Duty-free stores
  • Cambodian handicraft boutiques
  • Travel essentials

Dining

  • Local Cambodian eateries
  • International restaurants
  • Coffee shops and fast-food outlets

Lounges

  • Plaza Premium Lounge
  • Airline-exclusive lounges
  • Features: buffet dining, Wi-Fi, showers, workstations

How to Reach Phnom Penh International Airport

Getting to Phnom Penh International Airport is convenient, with multiple transportation options available for travellers of all budgets.


1. Taxi

Taxis are the most common and reliable way to reach the airport.

  • Travel Time: 25–45 minutes depending on traffic
  • Availability: 24/7
  • Cost: Fixed-rate airport taxis available at designated counters

Taxis are equipped with air-conditioning and are ideal for travellers with luggage.


2. Ride-Hailing Apps

Ride-hailing services are increasingly popular and often more affordable than traditional taxis.
Popular apps include:

  • Grab
  • PassApp
  • WeGo

Benefits:

  • Transparent pricing
  • Easy booking
  • Cashless payment options

3. Hotel Transfers

Many hotels in Phnom Penh offer:

  • Private car transfers
  • Van shuttles
  • Chauffeur services

Advantages

  • Pre-arranged pickup
  • Comfortable and secure
  • Ideal for groups or late-night flights

4. Tuk-Tuks

Traditional Cambodian tuk-tuks provide a budget-friendly and cultural way to travel.

  • Best for: Solo travellers or light luggage
  • Not ideal for: Rainy weather or heavy bags

Tuk-tuks can be booked through apps or negotiated directly.


5. Private Car / Self-Drive

Travellers who prefer flexibility can use:

  • Rental cars (available at the terminal)
  • Personal vehicles

Parking

  • On-site parking for short-term and long-term use
  • Secure, well-lit, and monitored

6. Airport Shuttle (Hotel or Tour Operators)

Some hotels and travel agencies provide dedicated shuttle services to and from PNH.

  • Must be pre-booked
  • Ideal for guests staying at major hotels or tour groups

Best Route to the Airport

Most travellers use the main highway:

  • Russian Federation Boulevard (National Road 4)
    This is the fastest and most direct connection between Phnom Penh city centre and the airport.

Tips for Travellers

  • Allow extra travel time during peak hours (7–9 AM, 5–8 PM)
  • Download ride-hailing apps before your trip
  • Keep cash (USD or Khmer Riel) for taxis and tuk-tuks
  • For late-night flights, pre-book a taxi or hotel transfer

Nearby Hotels

  • You Eng Hotel
  • City Comfort Airport Hotel
  • CCC Hotel & Cambodian Country Club
  • Thyda Villa Phnom Penh
  • Sethy Boutique Hotel

Future Development

Phnom Penh will soon be served by Techo International Airport, a major new airport under construction that will eventually support and potentially replace PNH for international operations.


Conclusion

Phnom Penh International Airport is a crucial aviation hub for Cambodia, offering efficient services, modern facilities, and excellent connectivity to major regional cities. With multiple convenient options to reach the airport and ongoing development projects, PNH continues to enhance the travel experience for both domestic and international passengers.

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