Phnom Penh, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Neth Savoeun and Indian Ambassador to the country Devyani Khobragade launched the first-ever direct flight between Phnom Penh and New Delhi on Sunday.
The flight between the two capitals will be operated four times a week by Cambodia‘s national flag carrier Cambodia Angkor Air.
Several members of the Indian community also joined the flight inauguration ceremony which not only marks ease of travel for tourists but also strengthens the historic ties between the two countries.
The Embassy of India in Phnom Penh hailed the development as a “historic moment”, citing India’s “Act East” Policy.
The culture ministry had said the UNESCO-listed archaeological site would close from midday to 5:00 pm (0900 to 1400 GMT), with temperatures expected to reach 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit) on Wednesday and Thursday. The first heatwave of the year in Greece, regularly hit by searing summer temperatures, is due to peak over those two days, and the ministry said the measure could be extended.
A statement released by Angkor Air said that the new connection will make the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO-listed world heritage site, more accessible to Indian tourists and also provide Cambodian patients better access to medical treatments in India.”With both nations’ rich histories and mutual interests, Cambodia Angkor Air is optimistic about the potential and positive impact of this new service,” the statement said.
Citing India’s involvement in the restoration of Angkor Wat and Preah Vihear temples in Cambodia depicts the cultural and linguistic connect, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has time and again spotlighted the historical and civilisational links between the two countries.
