We live in a globalized world, yet geographical gaps separate us physically, intellectually, and emotionally. Science and technology have given us airplanes to overcome physical distance.
Direct flights between India and Cambodia represent a significant advancement in geography. They allow travelers to easily explore the awe-inspiring temples of Phnom Penh or the mystical ruins of Angkor Wat. This seamless connection provides convenience and fosters a vibrant exchange of culture, commerce, and camaraderie between the two nations with deep-rooted historical and spiritual ties.
India and Cambodia have long been connected through art, religion, and trade, with their destinies intertwined by Buddhism and ancient empires. With the launch of direct air routes, these connections are set to flourish, allowing tourists to explore new worlds, entrepreneurs to seize new opportunities, and families to reunite across borders. These direct flights represent a bridge to shared prosperity, inviting both countries to dream bigger and reach higher, promising brighter horizons for all.
This piece explores the overview and specifics to create a framework for all stakeholders.
Table of Contents
Direct Flight Connectivity Between India and Cambodia: A Catalyst for Tourism and Trade
Introducing direct flight routes between major Indian cities and Cambodia significantly strengthens bilateral relations and promotes tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. Cambodia Angkor Air’s Phnom Penh-New Delhi direct service is reshaping travel dynamics.
A New Era of Air Connectivity
Cambodia Angkor Air launched its first-ever direct flight service between Phnom Penh and New Delhi on June 16, 2024. The service aims to enhance people-to-people contact, boost tourism, and facilitate business exchanges. It operates four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Cambodian officials, including Ambassador Koy Kuong, predict a transformative connection that will double tourists’ flow annually, positively impacting both the private and public sectors. The direct route eliminates layovers, making travel more accessible and affordable for Indian and Cambodian travelers.
Tourism: Unlocking Spiritual and Cultural Journeys
Direct flight connectivity in Cambodia is boosting tourism, particularly for Indian travelers. Angkor Wat and Cambodia’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage are now accessible to them. Religious tourism packages cater to this demand. In the first three months of 2024, over 20,000 Indian tourists visited Cambodia, a 25% increase from the previous year. Officials anticipate annual Indian arrivals could surpass pre-pandemic levels.
Direct flights to India attract Cambodians for religious pilgrimages and medical tourism due to its reputation for affordable and high-quality healthcare. This fosters deeper cultural understanding and mutual appreciation.
Trade and Investment: Lowering Barriers, Raising Opportunities
Direct flights boost tourism and stimulate trade and investment by reducing travel time and costs for business travelers and entrepreneurs. This increases collaboration opportunities in sectors like technology, medicine, and infrastructure.
Ambassador Koy Kuong highlighted that initial sightseeing visits often involve business exploration and investment. As travel becomes more convenient, the volume of goods and services between the two countries is expected to increase.
Direct flights between India and Cambodia have the potential to impact various sectors positively. We unfold the possibilities here.
Technology and IT
Direct flights in Cambodia offer a convenient travel option for Indian entrepreneurs and IT professionals. They enable them to invest in the country’s tech infrastructure, support local startups, and offer IT outsourcing services while also promoting participation in tech expos and B2B meetings.
India’s Electronic & Computer Software Export Promotion Council and the Indian Embassy held a tech “Business Alliance Meet” in Phnom Penh to promote joint ventures, outsourcing, and knowledge-sharing in software and digital services. The delegation of 30 Indian businesses visited Cambodia on 19-20 March 2025 to strengthen economic ties.
India plans to establish a “Cambodia-India Special Economic Zone” in February 2024, focusing on technology investments, infrastructure projects, and direct flights. The IBCC will introduce an AI-based banking platform in March 2025, and India is discussing adapting its digital public infrastructure model in Cambodia.
The IBCC held a forum in Phnom Penh in October 2024 to discuss digital transformation and bilateral tech cooperation. India and Cambodia are collaborating on digital payment systems, UPI-based payments, and a 2023 MoU to simplify transactions. Improved air links, including Angkor Air’s direct service and IndiGo’s routes, are also boosting tourism and trade.
Healthcare and Medical Tourism
Cambodia’s citizens are increasingly seeking affordable, high-quality healthcare in India due to world-class hospitals and advanced treatments. The launch of direct flights between Phnom Penh and New Delhi has made medical tourism more accessible, benefiting both wealthy and middle-class Cambodians. This ease of travel makes medical checkups, surgeries, and chronic disease care more accessible.
Indian healthcare providers are expanding their regional presence by establishing referral partnerships and satellite clinics in Southeast Asia, fostering collaboration between Indian and Cambodian medical professionals.
Education and Training
Indian universities and vocational training institutes are gaining popularity among Cambodian students due to improved connectivity, facilitating easier student mobility, academic exchanges, and research collaboration. Scholarships and joint degree programs are expected to increase, and Indian educational institutions may establish campuses in Cambodia.
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) offers scholarships to Cambodian students for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD studies in India. In 2023-2024, 40 Cambodian students received ICCR scholarships. India offers 50 scholarships annually to Mekong students for various academic programs. KIIT in Odisha has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Cambodia to improve educational cooperation. Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) and Chandigarh University (CU) collaborate with Cambodian universities in joint academic programs and research opportunities.
Textiles and Manufacturing
Direct flights between India and Cambodia are expected to benefit their textile industries significantly. They would enable quicker movement of business delegations, technical experts, and sample goods, streamlining supply chain management and fostering joint ventures. Recent buyer-seller meetings between the Confederation of Indian Industry and Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce have facilitated these discussions.
Indian firms, particularly from Tamil Nadu, can benefit from Cambodia’s low-cost manufacturing and global market access, while Cambodian manufacturers can access Indian raw materials, fabric innovation, and technology. This connectivity will accelerate supply chain integration, expand production capacities, and create sustainable growth opportunities.

Pharmaceuticals and Automobiles
Indian investments in Cambodia’s pharmaceutical and automobile sectors have grown significantly due to efficient logistics and supportive regulatory cooperation. Direct flights enable quick market research, regulatory meetings, and partnership building for both sectors.
Indian pharmaceutical companies like Addii Biotech and Actiza are expanding exports and establishing distribution networks to meet Cambodia’s growing demand for affordable, high-quality medicines. Indian automobile firms are facilitating market analysis, assembly units, and local partnerships, enhancing supply chains, fostering joint ventures, technology transfer, and deeper product integration, strengthening bilateral economic ties and supporting Cambodia’s development goals.
Case Studies and Emerging Ventures
Indian entrepreneurs are exploring Cambodia’s technology and healthcare sectors following the launch of direct flights, which has resulted in several business visits and investment proposals.
Indian pharmaceutical (e.g., Sun Pharma) and automobile companies (e.g., Bajaj Auto) have increased their presence in Cambodia, with investments facilitated by easier travel and logistics.
Improved connectivity has been seen in Cambodian patients traveling to India for medical treatment and Indian students enrolling in Cambodian educational institutions. India is a major destination for medical tourism, attracting patients from across Asia, including Cambodia. In 2023, India drew 476,000 foreign patients for medical treatment, supported by streamlined e-Medical Visa policies and targeted campaigns like “Heal in India”.
Diplomatic and Public Sector Engagement
Direct flights between India and Cambodia are enhancing official exchanges by facilitating frequent high-level visits and smoother government-to-government cooperation. This ease of travel allows delegations, ministers, and public sector leaders to engage in face-to-face discussions, fostering stronger diplomatic ties and collaboration across sectors. The new air link has supported initiatives like the “1st Cambodia-India Tourism Year 2024”.
Direct flights between two nations are enhancing diplomatic and administrative processes, fostering cultural and religious bonds through joint tourism promotions and cultural exchange programs. This catalyst for cooperation and commemoration of shared heritage is paving the way for a new era of partnership and mutual understanding.
The Case for Expanding Direct Connectivity
The launch of the Phnom Penh-New Delhi direct route is a significant step in strengthening India-Cambodia connectivity. Expanding direct flight options is crucial for maximizing the partnership’s potential. The upcoming IndiGo service from Kolkata to Siem Reap, starting February 2025, is crucial for tapping into demand from eastern and southern India, particularly those interested in Cambodia’s heritage and spiritual tourism.
Expanding direct flights to major Indian metros could democratize access, distribute tourism benefits, and cater to the growing outbound travel market. Tourism leaders believe this expansion will boost visitor numbers, facilitate business exchanges, and promote cultural and educational ties. Increased trade, deeper connections, and broader economic opportunities could be expected, reaching beyond the capitals and into the heart of both societies.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Cambodia’s tourism sector has rebounded, but Indian tourist arrivals have not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels by 2023. With 68,836 Indian travelers visiting Cambodia in 2019, the gap highlights challenges and opportunities. To keep India on Cambodian tourism radar, Cambodia has launched digital campaigns, collaborated with travel partners, and designated 2024 as the “Cambodia-India Tourism Year” to boost visibility and engagement.
To attract a wider Indian tourist base, Cambodia must focus on competitive pricing and tailor-made travel packages that highlight Cambodia’s ecotourism, coastal regions, and cultural experiences. Despite investments in new airports, road networks, and accommodations, ensuring quality, accessibility, and diversification of destinations is crucial. This will extend the average stay and increase spending.
Cambodia can capitalize on the Indian market‘s growth with government incentives, streamlined visa processes, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades, provided strategic challenges are addressed proactively.

Conclusion
Direct flights between India and Cambodia are transforming the region, fostering tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. Indian travelers can enjoy Cambodia’s natural beauty and spiritual heritage, while Cambodian visitors and business leaders can access India’s vibrant cities and markets. The ripple effects are already evident, with tourism numbers increasing, business partnerships forming, friendships strengthening between the two nations, and tangible economic benefits.
India and Cambodia are fostering a partnership that is paving the way for additional direct routes, a symbol of trust, cooperation, and shared vision. These flights are not just transportation but also progress and unity, paving the way for future generations to follow. The future is not just bright but also airborne, showcasing the potential of these partnerships.