A tiny Asian country is about to get a new £1.12billion airport that will have a transformative impact. Cambodia's Techo International Airport in the capital city of Phnom Penh in Kandal Province is to be built and opened in stages, with the first phase touted to commence operations in July. This will have a capacity of 13million passengers per year, but it is hoped the expansion of the project will mean this reaches 50million by 2050. The 2,600-hectare site is being constructed by China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group Co. Ltd.

Architects at Foster and Partners say the airport's design "embodies a strong sense of place, drawing inspiration from one of the oldest civilisations on earth, inspired by its vernacular forms, and responsive to the tropical climate". They add that the plans also include a new "airport city" with a "state-of-the-art terminal building at its heart, providing the highest levels of passenger experience and setting new standards for sustainability".

The project's central head house will have two aerofoil-shaped piers on either side, which "optimise walking distances."

This section of the build will also contain all passenger processing, security and immigration, and retail areas.

A "single overarching roof canopy" provides shelter to travellers from any inclement weather.

The roof is supported by "structural trees" spanning 36 metres.

The structure is a lightweight steel grid shell that displays a screen that "filters daylight and illuminates the vast terminal space".

Foster and Partners added: "Designed to be highly legible at a human scale, there are minimal level changes throughout the terminal and views out to the apron to improve clarity and make movement intuitive.

"Interior materials are warm and welcoming, evoking the Cambodian vernacular in a contemporary manner."

Sinn Chanserey Vutha, spokesperson for the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, said in December that key facilities, such as the passenger terminal building, power distribution centre and aircraft apron parking areas, were expected to be completed by the end of 2024, reported.

He added: "If there are no changes, TIA will be officially opened by the prime minister in July 2025."

Approximately 15,400 staff - such as workers, engineers and managers - are employed at the construction site, it has been reported, and more than 90% Cambodian nationals.