(Siem Reap): The first direct flight operated by IndiGo Airlines (6E) connecting Kolkata, India, to Siem Reap–Angkor was officially inaugurated on Thursday morning (Nov. 13).
The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Chea Oun, Secretary of State and Permanent Secretary of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), representing Mao Havannall, Minister in charge of the SSCA. The event was also attended by representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Ambassador of the Republic of India to Cambodia, CAIC Airport Investment Company, travel agencies, and technical officials from relevant ministries and institutions, with a total of around 100 participants.
Sin Chansereyvutha, Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, said that this direct flight marks another achievement under the leadership and strategic direction of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, along with the efforts of relevant ministries and institutions, and the close diplomatic relations between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Republic of India.
The first flight carried 127 Indian tourists to Cambodia and 67 passengers returning to India.
IndiGo Airlines (6E) will operate three direct flights weekly between Kolkata (CCU) and Siem Reap (SAI), every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, using Airbus A320neo aircraft. Meanwhile, Cambodia’s national carrier, Air Cambodia (K6), operates two weekly flights between Phnom Penh (PNH) and New Delhi (DEL), on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
According to Sin Chansereyvutha, IndiGo—India’s leading airline—had earlier planned to launch direct flights from New Delhi and Mumbai to Siem Reap.
However, due to global economic factors and unstable demand in the Cambodia-India aviation market, the plan was postponed as some weeks had four flights, while others dropped to three or two.
The new route not only enhances international connectivity with Kolkata but also provides convenient access from other parts of India to Cambodia. Given the strategic locations of Kolkata and Siem Reap—Cambodia’s seventh international tourism gateway—this direct connection is ideal to meet the rising travel demand between the two countries, facilitated visa procedures, and growing trade activities.
The spokesperson added, “We are confident that this new flight service will boost the tourism sector and open new opportunities for cultural exchange and economic cooperation between both nations. It will also expand Cambodia’s air connectivity, strengthen bilateral ties between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Republic of India, and bring more economic benefits to Siem Reap province. Under the ASEAN–India Air Transport Framework and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), this route will further enhance regional connectivity and promote tourism, trade, and travel.”
He further emphasised that under the guidance of Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation continues to make strong efforts to expand Cambodia’s international air connections with countries around the world.
=FRESH NEWS
