Siem Reap, Cambodia — September 23, 2026 — Indian airline IndiGo will resume direct flights between Kolkata and Siem Reap in October, restoring a direct air connection between eastern India and Cambodia’s major tourism destination ahead of the peak festival season.
The service will operate three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, using Airbus A320neo aircraft, according to Sinn Chanserey Vutha, Secretary of State and spokesman for Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA).
The route was temporarily suspended from July to September 2026 following weaker demand and rising operating costs.
Kolkata-Siem Reap Route to Resume
IndiGo launched the direct Kolkata-Siem Reap service in November 2025, providing a direct connection between the Indian city and Siem Reap.
The airline subsequently suspended the route for three months, from July through September 2026, amid low profitability.
According to the SSCA, higher global jet fuel prices and increased operating costs associated with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East added pressure to the route.
With the October restart, passengers will once again have a direct air connection between Kolkata and Siem Reap.
Three Flights a Week
The reinstated service will operate three days each week:
| Route | Frequency | Days | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kolkata–Siem Reap | 3 flights per week | Monday, Thursday, Saturday | Airbus A320neo |
| Siem Reap–Kolkata | 3 flights per week | Monday, Thursday, Saturday | Airbus A320neo |
The schedule provides a regular direct connection that can serve both tourism and broader people-to-people and business links between Cambodia and India.
Boost for Indian Tourism to Siem Reap
Sinn Chanserey Vutha described the route's resumption as a positive development for Cambodia’s tourism sector and wider economic relationship with India.
“The resumption of IndiGo’s Kolkata-Siem Reap flight service is a positive signal that will not only help boost visitor numbers but also support economic growth between Cambodia and India.”
India has become an increasingly important source market for Cambodia, while the renewed route gives Indian travellers direct access to Siem Reap without requiring a connecting flight.
The timing of the restart is also significant because the service returns ahead of the peak festival season, when Cambodia typically seeks to attract greater international visitor traffic.
Siem Reap’s Role as an International Gateway
Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, which opened in October 2023, has become an important aviation gateway for visitors travelling to the province and the Angkor Archaeological Park.
The airport provides connectivity for regional and international airlines and supports Siem Reap’s role as a major tourism destination.
The restoration of the Kolkata route adds another international connection to the airport's network and supports Cambodia’s efforts to rebuild international tourism flows to Siem Reap.
Part of Cambodia’s Tourism Recovery Efforts
The resumed service also supports the Ministry of Tourism’s broader efforts to revitalise international arrivals to Siem Reap.
Direct air connectivity is particularly important for destinations that depend heavily on international tourism because additional nonstop routes can make travel more convenient and improve access from specific source markets.
For Cambodia, the Kolkata connection also provides an additional link to the large Indian travel market at a time when Siem Reap is seeking to diversify and strengthen international visitor sources.
Key Facts
| Indicator | Details |
|---|---|
| Airline | IndiGo |
| Route | Kolkata–Siem Reap |
| Restart | October 2026 |
| Frequency | Three flights per week |
| Operating days | Monday, Thursday and Saturday |
| Aircraft | Airbus A320neo |
| Original launch | November 2025 |
| Suspension | July–September 2026 |
| Main factors cited for suspension | Low profitability, higher fuel and operating costs |
| Cambodian aviation authority | State Secretariat of Civil Aviation |
| Airport | Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport |
Angkor Times Analysis
The restart of the Kolkata-Siem Reap route illustrates both the opportunity and the operating pressures facing international aviation routes serving Cambodia.
From a tourism perspective, direct connectivity can reduce travel friction for visitors from India and strengthen Siem Reap’s position as an accessible international destination. The October restart also places the route back in operation ahead of a key period for tourism activity.
At the same time, the temporary suspension demonstrates that international air routes remain sensitive to passenger demand, fuel prices and airline operating costs. The long-term sustainability of the connection will therefore depend not only on tourism demand but also on the commercial performance of the route.
For Siem Reap, maintaining and expanding direct international connectivity remains an important part of efforts to broaden source markets and support tourism businesses across the province.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will IndiGo resume Kolkata-Siem Reap flights?
IndiGo is scheduled to resume the direct service in October 2026.
How often will the flights operate?
The service will operate three times a week, on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
What aircraft will IndiGo use?
The flights will use Airbus A320neo aircraft.
Why was the route suspended?
According to Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, the service was suspended from July to September 2026 because of low profitability, while higher jet fuel prices and operating costs also put pressure on the route.
When did IndiGo first launch the route?
IndiGo launched the Kolkata-Siem Reap route in November 2025.
Why is the route important for Siem Reap?
The direct connection can make travel from India to Siem Reap more convenient and support Cambodia’s efforts to attract more visitors from India, particularly during the peak tourism and festival period.