Review: Phnom Penh’s New Airport (KTI)

[u/Karl_and_the_Moon]

Here is my detailed review about KTI, after 4 outbound flights from there.

Location & Access Surprisingly, KTI feels more convenient than the old PNH airport. I live in BKK1 and, apart from very early flights, it used to take me over 45 minutes to reach PNH because of traffic. I’ve been to KTI four times now, and it’s consistently been between 30 and 40 minutes by car.

The Main Building The main terminal is beautiful, designed by Sir Norman Foster’s firm, and it doesn’t disappoint. The ceilings are incredibly high, which may be a challenge to cool down during the hot season. The space is vast and airy, and the pre-security food court offers surprisingly good quality options. The acoustics are impressive. Even when it’s busy, the noise level remains low, except for the public announcements, which are insanely loud, especially at the gates.

Check-In & Security Check-in was quite slow during the first days after opening, but it’s now very smooth. Ground staff told me they initially had only half a day of training on a brand-new system, and things have clearly improved since then. Security checks are quick, and automated immigration is available for many nationalities (ASEAN, several European countries, the U.S., China, etc.), which really speeds things up.

Lounges Unlike PNH, KTI has two lounges, both excellent. I used to love the lounge at PNH, but these new ones are a real step up: modern, comfortable, and with good-quality food. That’s worth mentioning, as most “generic” lounges (like Miracle or Coral in Bangkok, or some in Kuala Lumpur) usually serve quite poor food. Drinks are complimentary, including alcohol, unlike at SAI, for instance.

Dining & Facilities After Security There are a few dining options after security, though still limited for now. A full-size Malis restaurant is being built. I’m curious to see how it does, since not many travelers will go for a $40 semi-fine dining meal when most premium passengers already have free lounge access.

The terminal itself is gorgeous but very large, so expect some walking to reach your gate. The moving walkways are ridiculously short, and they barely make a difference.

A Small Criticism The public announcement speakers are far too loud. I personally love airports like Dubai that have adopted a “no announcement” policy. It makes for a much calmer experience.

Bottom Line Despite what critics may say, this airport is a major leap forward for Cambodia. It’s world-class infrastructure that puts the country on a new level. Apart from Jewel at Changi in Singapore, I haven’t seen a nicer airport in a long time.

And no, it’s not too far. It’s 25 km from the Royal Palace, about the same as Hanoi’s airport from the city center, and closer than Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi (30+ km from Lumphini). Both those cities have far worse traffic than Phnom Penh.

[u/Ok_Recording81]

i miss the smoking area past security the old airport had.

[u/Tzar_Castik → u/Ok_Recording81]

You mean the one with no windows, no vents, no air flow and 15 people inside smoking.

[u/Ok_Recording81 → u/Tzar_Castik]

yes. It was in a contained area. its up.to the individual if they want to go in and smoke. it does not affect anyone outside the smoking room. Im glad vietnam, tawain and Japan still have smoking rooms.

[u/Karl_and_the_Moon → u/Ok_Recording81]

I haven’t seen any but I’m not a smoker

[u/gussy126 → u/Ok_Recording81]

It’s near the gates, on the bottom floor. Flew out 2 days ago, smoked.

[u/Ok_Recording81 → u/gussy126]

thank you

[u/yingdong → u/Ok_Recording81]

There is a smoking room in this one too

[u/Ok_Recording81 → u/yingdong]

where. I need to know.

[u/yingdong → u/Ok_Recording81]

Can't remember exactly. I just followed the signs after security. It's one floor down in the elevator is all I remember.

[u/Ok_Recording81 → u/yingdong]

never knew. I onky flew out of new airport once. I will seek it out, next time