InterGlobe Aviation Limited (IndiGo), an Indian low-cost airline, today launches its first direct flights to Cambodia, connecting Kolkata city to Siem Reap province with three weekly services using Airbus A320neo aircraft.
The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) yesterday announced that under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, along with the efforts of Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, and strong diplomatic ties with India, IndiGO will launch a direct flight from Kolkata to Siem Reap.
On his social media, Prime Minister Hun Manet congratulated the new direct flight, which will be launched on November 13. “This reflected the close cooperation between the governments of the two countries,” the Premier wrote.
The official launch ceremony will be presided over by Mao Havannall, Minister in Charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA).
Sinn Chanserey Vutha, Secretary of State and Spokesperson of SSCA, said that the new route will not only enhance international connectivity in Kolkata but also provide convenient access from other parts of India to Cambodia.
Vuthy said, “We are confident that this new flight service will help boost tourism, foster cultural exchange, and strengthen economic cooperation. It will also expand Cambodia’s air network and reinforce diplomatic ties with India.”
“This connectivity is expected to create inflows to Siem Reap’s heritage economy under the broader ASEAN-India air transport framework and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), further developing regional corridors and boosting tourism, trade, and travel flows in the Kingdom,” he added.
Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, said the service will enhance connectivity and promote cultural exchange, highlighting Siem Reap’s global appeal as home to the Angkor Wat temple complex. Indian travellers can benefit from Cambodia’s visa-on-arrival and e-visa options, making travel more accessible, he added.
India is one of Cambodia’s fastest-growing tourism markets, with over 75,000 Indian tourists visiting last year, drawn by the Kingdom’s heritage sites and expanding hospitality sector.
From January to September, Cambodia recorded 47,637 inbound and outbound flights, up 12 percent year-on-year, while air cargo volume also rose 14 percent, surpassing 60,000 tonnes.
Speaking to Khmer Times, Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), welcomed the development, noting that Cambodia and India currently only have a direct flight between Phnom Penh and New Delhi via Cambodia Airways.
“With an additional direct flight between Siem Reap and Kolkata via IndiGo, we expect to attract and facilitate tourists into Cambodia’s largest heritage hub through Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SIA),” she said.
