Techo International Airport in Cambodia has been recognised by the Prix Versailles as one of the “World’s Most Beautiful Airports,” acknowledging its architectural design, environmental approach and integration of Khmer cultural heritage.
Located around 20 kilometres south of Phnom Penh, the airport was selected for combining contemporary airport infrastructure with references to Cambodia’s history, traditional craftsmanship and natural environment.
The terminal was designed by Foster + Partners and is centred beneath a sweeping modular roof canopy that has been planned to simplify passenger movement while reducing walking distances between the drop-off area and departure gates.
The roof rises towards the centre of the building in an undulating form inspired by the profile of Cambodia’s historic palaces and temples, creating a distinctive architectural identity while helping passengers orientate themselves within the terminal.
Inside, the ceilings draw on traditional Khmer basket weaving techniques. Their woven appearance, inspired by bamboo and rattan craftsmanship, also contributes to the building’s environmental performance by increasing natural ventilation and reducing reliance on artificial lighting during daylight hours.
Green spaces have been incorporated throughout the passenger journey, with native rumduol trees, Cambodia’s national flower, planted within the terminal’s central atrium to strengthen the connection between the airport and the country’s landscape.
Prix Versailles recognised the project for combining contemporary engineering with Cambodian architectural traditions, creating a terminal that balances operational requirements with environmental considerations and cultural identity.
Other airports included on the 2026 Prix Versailles list are Terminal 2 at Guwahati International Airport in India, Terminal 3 at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in China, Terminal 3 at Frankfurt Airport in Germany, Pittsburgh International Airport in the US, Terminal 1 at Navi Mumbai International Airport in India and Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport in the US.
