Historic Air Link Connects Kolkata to Cambodia's Temple Town
In a significant boost for regional connectivity and tourism, IndiGo Airlines inaugurated direct air services between Kolkata and the Cambodian temple town of Siem Reap on Thursday. This landmark flight marks the first-ever direct air connection between India and Cambodia operated by an Indian carrier, opening a new chapter in travel and cultural exchange.
Flight Schedule and Operational Details
The new route will be serviced by a thrice-weekly flight, operating every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. The journey is remarkably efficient, with a flight time of approximately two and a half hours. The flight will depart from Kolkata at 1:50 AM and arrive in Siem Reap at 6:20 AM local time. For the return journey, the flight will take off from Siem Reap at 7:20 AM, landing back in Kolkata at 8:55 AM.
A Cultural Bridge, Not Just a Flight
IndiGo's strategic decision to connect to Siem Reap, rather than the capital Phnom Penh, was driven by the city's profound cultural and religious significance to India. Siem Reap is the gateway to the majestic Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of shared historical heritage. The region also hosts other magnificent temples like Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei.
Highlighting the importance of this route, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers stated, "This new service is India's first direct air link to Cambodia operated by an Indian carrier. We believe it will play a vital role in fostering deeper ties between India and the ASEAN region." The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has also been involved in the conservation of several ancient temple complexes in the area, further strengthening the cultural bond.
Tourism Industry Hails the New Connectivity
Travel operators in Kolkata have welcomed the new flight service with great enthusiasm, predicting a substantial boost for outbound tourism from Eastern India. Manav Soni, a managing committee member of the Travel Agents' Association of India, expressed his excitement, saying, "We are excited about the connectivity to Siem Reap that will open up a popular tourist destination for Kolkatans."
Echoing this sentiment, Anil Punjabi from the Travel Agents Federation of India noted that the new route would provide a compelling alternative for travelers. He mentioned that "The flight will complement travel options to other popular Southeast Asian destinations like China and Vietnam." This development is expected to make exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Cambodia more accessible and convenient than ever before for Indian tourists.
