New Direct Flight Connects Phnom Penh and New Delhi
Responding to a surge in passenger demand and a mutual interest in fostering tourism, trade, and investment between Cambodia and India, Cambodia Angkor Air, the national flag carrier, has unveiled plans to inaugurate a direct flight between the capital cities of the two nations.
“Exciting news! We are thrilled to announce the launch of our latest flight route to India. Commencing June 16, Cambodia Angkor Air will embark on a groundbreaking journey by initiating the very first direct flight service from Phnom Penh to New Delhi, operating four flights per week, coinciding with the Cambodia-India Tourism Year 2024,” the airline declared on March 24.
This newly introduced route from Phnom Penh to New Delhi is depicted as an extension of the airline’s commitment to its passengers, offering seamless connections to captivating destinations.
“Embarking on a voyage to explore the historical marvels of both nations is a dream realized for adventurers eager to delve into numerous temples, historical sites, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Thus, this fresh route is poised to attract a greater influx of tourists and business travelers, significantly bolstering the tourism and economic sectors of both countries,” stated the airline.
Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia chapter, recently emphasized to The Post that the airline’s initiative is poised to substantially benefit tourism and trade relations between the two nations. However, Sinan stressed that the success of this venture hinges greatly on competitive pricing.
“This is the long-awaited good news. I have reiterated many times the significance of the Indian market due to India’s substantial presence in global travel. India boasts a rich cultural heritage and tradition,” remarked Sinan.
According to Sinan, the Indian tourism market can be segmented into three primary categories: cultural and historical tourism, shopping and nightlife experiences, and religious tourism. He noted a particular affinity among Indian visitors for exploring Phnom Penh and the ancient temples situated in Siem Reap and Battambang provinces.
Statistics from the Ministry of Tourism indicate that Cambodia welcomed 5.45 million foreign tourists in 2023, marking a remarkable 139.5% increase from the previous year. Among these visitors were 68,836 Indian tourists, reflecting a notable surge of 102.4%.
In terms of trade, the bilateral exchange between Cambodia and India amounted to $485.7 million in 2023, showcasing a 10.4% uptick from the previous year. Cambodian exports to India reached $293.06 million, witnessing a substantial surge of 49%, while imports from India were valued at $192.64 million, marking a modest decline of 20.8%.
India currently stands as the Kingdom’s 17th largest trading partner, according to the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE).
Highlighting the tourism landscape, the Ministry of Tourism reported that Cambodia experienced its highest influx of international tourists in 2019, with 6.61 million arrivals, representing a 6.6% increase from the preceding year. Among these arrivals were 75,286 Indian tourists, indicating a notable rise of 14.3% compared to the previous year.