Plaza Premium Group brings Cambodian flair to Phnom Penh’s new Techo International Airport with the launch of two bespoke lounges – Plaza Premium First and Plaza Premium Lounge – marking a fresh chapter for airport hospitality in the kingdom’s capital. Opened in tandem with the city’s new gateway, the lounges are designed to offer both elevated comfort and an immediate sense of place for travellers passing through Cambodia’s latest aviation hub.
The debut of these lounges also underscores Plaza Premium Group’s broader ambitions in Southeast Asia. The company, which has grown into the world’s leading independent airport lounge operator, is extending its footprint in key regional gateways as air travel rebounds and passenger expectations evolve. Techo International Airport itself, designed by renowned firm Foster + Partners, aligns with Cambodia’s green energy and sustainable development goals, combining modern infrastructure with eco-friendly technologies and energy-efficient design – an ideal backdrop for a new generation of lounges focused on thoughtful, human-centred hospitality.
Plaza Premium First's reception
At the heart of this launch is Plaza Premium First, a 110-seat lounge that brings the brand’s signature, boutique-style experience to Cambodia for the first time. Following its successes in cities such as Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Vancouver and Jakarta, Plaza Premium First Phnom Penh is positioned as a refined sanctuary for travellers seeking a quieter, more personalised space before departure.
Inside, the lounge draws heavily on local inspiration. Motifs and aesthetics rooted in Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage are layered throughout the interiors, from decorative details to curated artwork, to create an environment that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to its surroundings. One of the highlights is the inclusion of pieces by Bill Bensley, the internationally renowned designer and sustainability advocate, whose art is known for capturing a vivid sense of place. His work in the lounge helps underscore a narrative of Cambodian creativity and elegance, turning transit time into an opportunity for cultural immersion rather than simply waiting at the gate.
The experience is rounded out with tailored touches that cater to modern travellers. Guests can sample signature drinks such as the KTI Passion Mood Mocktail and Passion Paradise Cocktail, inspired by Khmer ingredients and crafted for those looking to unwind or celebrate their journey. Dedicated massage services offer moments of calm before boarding, while two private VIP rooms provide additional seclusion for those travelling in groups, working on the go or simply seeking extra privacy. Throughout, service is led by Plaza Premium First ambassadors, trained to deliver discreet, bespoke hospitality that anticipates guests’ needs.
Alongside Plaza Premium First, the 120-seat Plaza Premium Lounge offers a more casual yet still thoughtfully designed space that places Cambodian culture front and centre. Rather than being just a place to relax, it is positioned as a gateway to local flavours and stories. Travellers can sample classic Cambodian dishes such as Beef Lok Lak and Fish Amok, as well as regional beverages including Pursat Orange Juice and Koh Kroubey’s Jasmine Tea. Each item on the menu is chosen to reflect the country’s culinary heritage and introduce visitors to its homegrown specialties in an accessible, welcoming way.
The design language in the Plaza Premium Lounge also echoes traditional Cambodian elements while spotlighting contemporary creativity. The space features works by artist Dina Chhan, whose pieces explore the evolving spirit of modern Cambodia. Her art, displayed throughout the lounge, gives guests a glimpse into the country’s dynamic cultural scene beyond the usual tourist postcards. Staff welcome travellers dressed in the Sampot, Cambodia’s national costume, adding another layer of authenticity and warmth to the experience from the moment guests step through the doors.
For Plaza Premium Group, these openings are as much about strategic expansion as they are about design. “The opening of Plaza Premium First and Plaza Premium Lounge in Phnom Penh reflects Plaza Premium Group’s global direction of expanding our award-winning airport hospitality services into key international gateways,” says Cavin Loh, Regional General Manager (Southeast Asia) of Plaza Premium Group. He notes that Techo International Airport is poised to become a critical regional hub, with plans for two additional runways and passenger capacity projected to reach 45 million by 2050 – a scale that positions Phnom Penh as an increasingly important stop on both regional and long-haul networks.
Access to the new lounges is supported by partnerships with a wide slate of international and regional airlines, reflecting their growing role in connecting Cambodia with the rest of the world. Travellers flying with carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Asiana Airlines, Vietnam Airlines and others will be able to enjoy the lounges as part of their journey, depending on fare class and membership eligibility.
These latest additions strengthen Plaza Premium Group’s already extensive network, which spans over 600 airports across 150 countries and serves some 24 million passengers annually through its suite of brands including Plaza Premium Lounge, Plaza Premium First, Aerotel, Refreshhh by Aerotel, ALLWAYS and its Smart Traveller digital platform. The company has been recognised with more than 100 industry accolades, including the “World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge” award by Skytrax for nine consecutive years from 2016 to 2025 – testament to its focus on consistent service and innovation.
With Techo International Airport still in its early days, the arrival of Plaza Premium First and Plaza Premium Lounge sets a high benchmark for travellers passing through Phnom Penh. Whether guests are seeking a quiet corner with a handcrafted drink, a taste of Cambodian cuisine before departure, or simply a comfortable seat in a beautifully designed environment, the new lounges are designed to turn transit time into a richer, more memorable part of the journey – and to showcase the warmth, artistry and hospitality that define modern Cambodia.
