Direct flight from India to Cambodia is expected this year as both sides are finalizing legal procedures for air connectivity, paving the cooperation on trade and investment.

The remarks were made by Cambodian Ambassador to India Koy Kuong in a meeting with the Cambodia Onkha Association (COA) led by its Secretary-General Hun Lak in Delhi, India, last week, read a COA statement.

The Royal Embassy of Cambodia is working closely with the Indian side to reach a final decision on connecting direct flights between India and Cambodia during April or June, Kuong said.

Aiming to boost tourist numbers travelling between the two nations, Cambodia and India have been discussing the establishment of a direct flight for years.

The State Secretary of Civil Aviation has accelerated and approved air procedures for local airlines – Cambodia Angkor Air and Cambodia Airways in Cambodia, said Under-Secretary of State and spokesman Sin Chansereyvutha.

“We are now waiting for approvals on the direct flight to airlines from the Indian side,” Chansereyvutha said on Monday.

Data from the Ministry of Tourism indicates that Cambodia welcomed 68,836 Indian guests last year, a surge of more than 102 percent from 34,016.

The Cambodia Oknha Association and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry was officially launched the India-Cambodia Joint Business Council in the Indian capital New Delhi on February 23.
The council aims to enhance trade activities and investment between the two nations through dialogue and cooperation within the private sectors.

According to the General Department of Customs and Excise, bilateral trade between the Kingdom and India has seen steady growth, reaching nearly $485.70 million in 2023, marking a 10 percent increase from 2022.

The Cambodian government targets to make bilateral FTAs with the main trade countries including India.

Cambodia and India have formed internal technical work to establish the negotiation for a bilateral free trade agreement, citing that the pact would enhance trade, investment, and cooperation in other sectors.