PM puts plan to sell Phnom Penh International Airport for $3B rumours to rest
PM puts plan to sell Phnom Penh International Airport for $3B rumours to rest
Prime Minister Hun Manet Friday categorically rejected the rumours pertaining to the proposed deal over the sale of the Phnom Penh International Airport (PPIA) for $3 billion to a private firm.
Putting to rest, once and for all, he said that no such deal has been made and none will be considered either.
The PPIA will cease operations at midnight on July 9, with all flights and operations shifting to the new Techo International Airport in Kandal province starting July 10.
Speaking at the celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the Cambodian National Police in Kandal, Mr Hun Manet clarified that only two individuals have the authority to make decisions regarding the 70-year-old airport: former Prime Minister Hun Sen and himself, as the current head of government.
“These days, I have seen public debate suggesting that PPIA, commonly known as the Pochentong airport, was sold to a private company based on an agreement allegedly made 15 years ago.”
“I would like to briefly clarify to our citizens that the Royal Government, both during the previous mandate and under my current leadership has never had a policy to sell PPIA to any private company, neither in the past nor in the future. However, the airport will still be available for emergency landings.”
Outlining the three guiding principles for the future management of the site, Mr Hun Manet said first the airport has historical significance as it was established under the guidance of the King Norodom Sihanouk, which must be preserved.
Second, the facility should continue to benefit the public, particularly the citizens of Phnom Penh. Third, while various models may be considered for the airport’s future use, including development and maintenance strategies, the government will retain full legal ownership of the land and infrastructure.
Mr Hun Manet added that the Royal Government has transferred oversight of the airport land to the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), with clear instructions to safeguard its historical significance and ensure any future use is sustainable and benefits the public, while keeping the site as state property.
He noted that some have estimated the airport’s land, which covers approximately 300 hectares in the heart of the capital, could be worth over $3 billion even if sold at $1,000 per square meter.
However, he emphasised that no monetary value could surpass the site’s historical significance and its value to the public.
The Premier confirmed that PPIA will officially cease operations at midnight on July 9, with all flights and operations shifting to the new Techo International Airport in Kandal province starting July 10. He added that the last scheduled flight from PPIA will be a Korean Air departure.
Mr Hun Manet also warned potential investors that the site is not available for sale or exchange for any economic development project, urging them to look elsewhere for investment opportunities.
