In a significant milestone for Southeast Asian and Indian aviation, Cambodia Angkor Air has launched its first-ever direct flight between Phnom Penh and New Delhi. This new route, inaugurated on June 16, 2024, marks a historic step towards enhancing connectivity and fostering stronger economic, cultural, and tourism ties between the two countries (Embassy of India) (Travel Trade Journal).
A Landmark Event
The inaugural flight was celebrated in a grand ceremony attended by high-ranking officials from both nations. Notable attendees included H.E. Neth Savoeun, Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, and H.E. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India to Cambodia. The event underscored the significance of this direct air link in bolstering bilateral relations. Cambodian officials, including H.E. Mao Havannall, Minister in Charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, highlighted the potential for increased tourism and business exchanges facilitated by this new route (Embassy of India).
Enhanced Connectivity
Initially, Cambodia Angkor Air will operate four weekly flights on the Phnom Penh-New Delhi route, with plans to increase to daily flights by October 2024. This direct connection is expected to meet the growing demand for air travel between the two countries, offering passengers a seamless and efficient travel experience. The flights are scheduled to operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, under the flight codes K6760/K6761 (Travel Trade Journal).
Economic and Cultural Impact
The launch of these direct flights is part of the “Cambodia-India Cultural Tourism Year 2024,” aimed at promoting cultural exchange and boosting tourism. The new route is anticipated to enhance not only tourism but also trade and commerce between Cambodia and India. The direct flights will facilitate Indian entrepreneurs seeking business opportunities in Cambodia and vice versa, fostering a robust economic partnership (Travel Trade Journal).
Dr. David Yuhong Zhan, Director of the Cambodia Tourism Board and Vice Chairman and CEO of Cambodia Angkor Air, emphasized the airline’s commitment to providing safe and comfortable journeys, reflecting the traditional “Khmer Smile” hospitality. He also mentioned future plans to open additional routes connecting Siem Reap to Delhi and Phnom Penh to other major cities in India, further expanding the connectivity between the two nations (Travel Trade Journal).
Diplomatic and Strategic Importance
This direct air link is seen as a manifestation of India’s successful Act East Policy, marking its 10th anniversary this year. Enhanced physical, digital, and financial connectivity between India and Cambodia remains a priority for both governments. The launch of this flight route aligns with these strategic objectives, promising to deepen the already strong bilateral relations rooted in ancient civilizational connections (Embassy of India).
Tourism and Cultural Exchange
For tourists, the direct flights offer a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage shared by both countries. Indian tourists can now easily visit Cambodia’s iconic temples, including the world-renowned Angkor Wat, while Cambodian tourists can explore India’s diverse cultural and religious sites. This increased accessibility is expected to boost tourism significantly, benefiting the hospitality and service sectors in both countries (Embassy of India) (Travel Trade Journal).
Future Prospects
The direct flight route is just the beginning of more collaborative efforts between Cambodia and India. Future developments include plans for payment connectivity via Unified Payment Interface (UPI) in Cambodia, allowing Indian tourists to make payments in rupees using their UPI apps. This initiative is expected to further enhance the travel experience for Indian tourists in Cambodia, promoting smoother and more convenient transactions (Embassy of India).
In conclusion, the inauguration of direct flights between Phnom Penh and New Delhi is a landmark development in the aviation and tourism sectors of Cambodia and India. It promises to enhance connectivity, promote tourism, and strengthen economic ties, marking a new era of collaboration and mutual growth for both nations.
Dr. Suvankar Das is a scientific advisor by profession, associated with a CRO organization. He pursued his doctoral degree in Chemistry in 2015. Later, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher & scientist in a couple of institutes/companies.
Besides his scientific journey, Dr. Das is also a passionate traveler and travel blogger. He loves to share all his travel experiences with other travelers so that everyone can enjoy hassle-free holidays with their own tour plans.
He believes, the most beautiful thing in this world is the WORLD itself. so there is no way to live like a clock; rather live it like a compass!
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