Phnom Penh: Techo International Airport has been recognized as one of the most beautiful airports in the world for 2026 in the Prix Versaille World Selection.
Techo International Airport has been listed alongside prominent international projects from the United States, Germany, China and India, showcasing its architectural quality, Khmer style identity and rich cultural integration.
Since 2015, the Prix Versailles has been awarded annually at UNESCO headquarters to celebrate projects that combine architectural excellence with innovation, creativity, local heritage, ecological efficiency and positive social impact. In this year’s selection, Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary General of the Prix Versailles, noted that modern airports “can no longer be described as mere transit points” but are becoming “symbols of economic, cultural and social potential.”
Previous Prix Versailles World Selection winners in the airport category include Terminal 2 of Singapore’s Changi Airport and Terminal B of New York’s LaGuardia Airport. The jury has in the past been composed of eminent personalities from the fields of architecture, design, culture and art, including Emma Watson, Lang Lang and Philippe Starck.
As a major infrastructure project of OCIC, Techo International Airport combines the expertise of international architects with the identity and cultural heritage of Cambodia to the global architecture platform.
The airport was designed by the UK firm Foster + Partners with a particularly large roof inspired by the romduol flower, the national flower of Cambodia. The roof rises high to the center of the building and reflects the architecture of the Royal Palace and temples of Cambodia. The detailed structure of the building is inspired by Khmer weaving art, with other elements that make it look like the building is woven from bamboo and rattan.
The airport’s design approach contributes to natural light and ventilation and reduces the use of artificial lighting during the day. Greenery is prevalent throughout the passenger terminal area, with many romduol trees and air-purifying plants growing in spacious spaces in the center of the terminal. The combination of natural light, greenery, warm decorative materials, and ancient Khmer cultural art creates a calm and welcoming atmosphere for all passengers arriving here.
The recognition of the architecture of Techo International Airport further promotes Cambodia’s presence on the international architectural scene and is a significant achievement for OCIC, which has contributed to one of Cambodia’s most important infrastructure projects, with ongoing development to support the country’s connectivity for the future.
