AKP Siem Reap, June 16, 2026 --

Cambodia’s Techo International Airport has been included among the World’s Most Beautiful Airports 2026, according to the list released by Prix Versailles on June 15.

According to Prix Versailles, although it is a symbol of renewal, this major airport located 20 kilometres south of Phnom Penh proclaims at a glance its permanence and stability. Its name comes from a title granted to heroes by the king 500 years ago and stands for the invincibility of the Khmer people.

This infrastructure is contained beneath an overarching roof canopy that prioritises short walking distances from the drop-off zone to the boarding areas, as well as simple orientation. The modular roof has an undulating form that crescendos at the centre of the building, in an echo to Cambodia’s spectacular palaces and temples.

The interior ceilings are inspired by traditional basket weaving and seem to be actually woven out of bamboo and rattan, reducing the need for mechanical ventilation and for artificial lighting during the day.

Greenery follows the passenger journey through the terminal, with native rumduol trees – a national symbol – rising within the soaring central void.

Foster + Partners has produced an ecological success here, subtly pairing cutting-edge techniques with centuries-old heritage in an extraordinarily bright and airy atmosphere.

The other airports and terminals included in the 2026 list are Terminal 3 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in China; Terminal 3 of Frankfurt Airport in Germany; Terminal 2 of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati, India; Terminal 1 of Navi Mumbai International Airport in India; Pittsburgh International Airport in the United States; and Terminal 1 of San Diego International Airport in the United States.

These seven projects – each one exhibiting extraordinary, distinctive architecture – illustrate how airports are now turning away from the old standards in order to offer the world a richer, more harmonious point of view.

Three airports and/or airport terminals from the 2026 List will also receive a World Title (Prix Versailles, Interior or Exterior), to be awarded at the end of the year.

The awards discerned by the Prix Versailles aim to promote intelligent sustainability, in which culture serves and transcends the notion of the environment.

Recently, Techo International Airport was also ranked fifth globally among the world’s best new airport terminals by Skytrax under the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026.

Techo International Airport was officially inaugurated on Oct. 20, 2020. Located on more than 2,600 hectares of land spanning Prek Sleng commune in Kandal Stung district of Kandal province and part of Bati district in Takeo province, the airport is situated approximately 20 kilometres from Phnom Penh. It commenced operations on Sept. 9, 2025.

Classified as a 4F-level international airport – the highest category under global aviation standards – the airport is capable of accommodating all types of aircraft, including some of the world’s largest passenger aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747.

By C. Nika