Cambodia Angkor Air, the national flag carrier, has unveiled a direct flight route connecting Phnom Penh with New Delhi, India. The announcement came through a social media post by the airline last Thursday, hinting at the imminent launch of this new service.
While specific details regarding the flight schedules were not disclosed, the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) has verified that the necessary approvals from both Cambodian and Indian aviation authorities have been secured. “Cambodia Angkor Air recently obtained authorization from the Ministry of Civil Aviation for the Phnom Penh-New Delhi route, and is in the process of finalizing the flight timetable,” stated Sin Chansereyvutha, SSCA’s Under-Secretary of State and spokesperson, in a discussion with Khmer Times.
An official flight schedule is expected to be submitted to the SSCA shortly, as per the company’s plans.
The Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh expressed its enthusiasm about the initiation of direct flights between the two countries, highlighting it as a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations and fostering increased tourism and business exchanges.
Koy Kuong, the Cambodian Ambassador to India, mentioned ongoing efforts with the Indian authorities to finalize arrangements for direct flights, aiming for a launch between April and June.
In addition, SSCA has granted permission to India’s Indigo Air to operate flights from New Delhi to Siem Reap. However, the regulatory body awaits a formal application from the airline to commence operations.
Tourism figures reveal a notable increase in Indian visitors to Cambodia, with 68,836 arrivals recorded last year, more than doubling the previous year’s count.
Furthermore, in a move to bolster economic ties, Cambodia and India have initiated discussions on a bilateral free trade agreement. This agreement aims to enhance trade, investment, and business relations, building on the already positive trajectory of bilateral trade, which reached nearly $485 million in 2023, reflecting a 10 percent growth from the previous year.
Source: Khmer Times
