With the inauguration of the maiden flight from New Delhi to Phnom Penh, Indians can now travel directly to Cambodia, marking a significant milestone in bilateral travel. This development is poised to bolster Indian tourist arrivals in Cambodia, which have been hindered by the high costs of connecting flights. Cambodian officials view this as a positive step forward, particularly given the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Scheduled to commence operations on June 16, 2024, Angkor AIR, Cambodia's national flag carrier, will operate four weekly flights, heralding a new era of smooth air travel between the two countries. Kuong Koy, the Cambodian Ambassador to India, emphasised direct flights' economic and cultural benefits. "For Cambodians, who frequent India mainly for religious and medical purposes, the reasonable air tickets will make it possible for them to come here on more occasions."
Koy underscored India's significance as a top tourist destination for Cambodians, given its status as the birthplace of Lord Buddha. "With direct flights now available, more Cambodians can fulfil their dream of visiting India's Buddhist attractions. As for Indians, this new flight route unlocks the opportunity to see heritage places, such as the iconic Angkor Wat Temple, renowned for its grandeur and cultural legacy. "
The envoy said the development also paves the way for Indians to view Cambodia as more than a temple destination and explore its varied offerings. "Beyond temples, Cambodia offers diverse attractions ranging from eco-tourism initiatives to river cruises and beaches," he added.
Koy highlighted the culinary similarities between Indian and Cambodian cuisine. "If I talk about food, there is a lot of similarity in texture and taste. Like India, spices are imperative to Cambodian cuisines, which will make the experience of Indian travellers more relatable and immersive."
For Indians, a round trip will cost approximately INR 22,166 while a one-way fare will cost them approximately INR 13,175. (The fares are subject to change as and when the services begin.)
On visa waivers for Indian tourists, the envoy responded that there were no talks on the topic at the moment, adding that the two countries have visa exemptions for diplomatic and service passports. Furthermore, the kingdom nation does have a Visa-on-arrival facility for Indians.
Going forward, Cambodia aims to expand direct flight connectivity to other Indian cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, further strengthening the bond between the two nations and fostering greater cultural exchange and economic cooperation.