Yes — you can smoke at Phnom Penh’s airport. Since September 2025, all of Phnom Penh’s scheduled flights operate from the new Techo International Airport (KTI), the Foster + Partners–designed gateway about 19 km south of the city in Kandal province. The airport provides a designated indoor smoking area inside the Plaza Premium First Lounge airside, and you can also smoke outdoors on the landside forecourt outside the terminal before security. The historic Phnom Penh International Airport (the old PNH site near the city) no longer handles commercial passenger flights and is now used for military, domestic and private-jet movements.
Techo International Airport (KTI) – Where Phnom Penh Flights Now Operate
Techo International Airport opened for commercial operations on 9 September 2025 and was officially inaugurated in October 2025. Its single large terminal is arranged as a central head house with two aerofoil-shaped piers, washed in natural light and planted with greenery throughout. For smokers, the most reliable indoor option is the designated smoking area within the Plaza Premium First Lounge, located airside on Level 3 of the departures mezzanine — accessible with a paid lounge ticket, a lounge-membership card or an eligible bank card. After you clear immigration and security, plan your smoking break around this lounge, as the rest of the air-conditioned terminal is smoke-free.
Outside the Terminal (Landside)
Before you check in or after you arrive, the open-air forecourt and drop-off/pick-up areas outside the terminal are the simplest place to smoke. Step away from the main entrance doors and use the kerbside zones; this is the standard option for travellers without lounge access and for anyone wanting a cigarette on arrival before heading into the city. Because there is no smoking in the public airside concourse, give yourself enough time before boarding if you intend to use the lounge area instead.
Summary Table
| Location | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plaza Premium First Lounge, Level 3 airside mezzanine | Indoor designated smoking area | Lounge access required (paid ticket / lounge-membership card / eligible bank card) |
| Terminal forecourt & kerbside (landside) | Outdoor | Open to all; step away from entrance doors, before security |
| Main air-conditioned concourse | Non-smoking | Use the lounge or step landside instead |
Heading to the temples? See our guide to Siem Reap-Angkor (REP).
For Cambodia airport smoking rules, see our Cambodia smoking guide.