Air Cambodia is expanding its India network with a third weekly nonstop between Delhi (DEL) and Phnom Penh (PNH), effective 17 December 2026. The new Thursday departure will join the existing Tuesday and Saturday rotations, giving the carrier a three-times-weekly presence on the route and providing Indian travellers with more options for accessing Cambodia's capital and beyond.
The service will be operated by an Airbus A320 configured with 170 seats — 8 in Business Class and 162 in Economy. Flight departure from Delhi is scheduled for 23:30, arriving in Phnom Penh at 06:10 the following day. The return leg leaves Phnom Penh at 19:15 and lands back in Delhi at 22:30, a schedule designed to maximise connectivity for both leisure and business passengers.
Strengthening India–Cambodia ties
The frequency increase reflects growing demand for direct air links between India and Cambodia, driven by tourism, trade, and the expanding MICE sector. Cambodia has seen a steady rise in Indian visitors in recent years, and the additional capacity is expected to support that trend. According to Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director and CEO of Aeroprime Group, the move is a significant step for Air Cambodia's Indian operations. “The introduction of a third weekly frequency between Delhi and Phnom Penh marks an important step in strengthening Air Cambodia’s presence in the Indian market,” Goyal said.
Air Cambodia's spokesperson echoed that sentiment, emphasising the airline's commitment to India. “With flights now operating every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, travellers will have greater flexibility to plan their journeys to Cambodia,” the spokesperson noted.
Trade benefits and itinerary flexibility
For travel agents and tour operators, the additional frequency opens up new possibilities for crafting multi-stop itineraries that combine Cambodia with other Southeast Asian destinations. The late-night departure from Delhi allows passengers to maximise their time in India before heading to Cambodia, while the evening return from Phnom Penh suits business travellers who need a full day on the ground.
The expansion also positions Air Cambodia to compete more effectively with other carriers serving the India–Southeast Asia corridor. Philippine Airlines, for instance, is set to launch Delhi and Mumbai nonstops to Manila in December 2026, underscoring the growing interest in India as a source market for Southeast Asian destinations. Air Cambodia's increased frequency will give it a stronger foothold in this competitive landscape.
Cambodia's tourism industry stands to benefit as well. The country welcomed over 5 million international visitors in 2025, and India is among the key emerging markets targeted by the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism. Direct air connectivity is seen as a critical enabler for growth, and the additional flights will make it easier for Indian travellers to explore Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh's royal palace, and the country's coastal resorts.
For the travel trade, the new schedule provides more flexibility for group bookings and corporate travel. The Thursday departure, in particular, is well-suited for long-weekend getaways, allowing travellers to combine the flight with a Friday–Sunday stay in Cambodia. The airline's A320 configuration, with a dedicated Business Class cabin, also caters to premium travellers seeking comfort on the roughly four-hour sector.
Air Cambodia has been steadily expanding its international network, with a focus on key Asian markets. The Delhi–Phnom Penh route, launched in 2024, has performed strongly, prompting the airline to add capacity. The new frequency is part of a broader strategy to position Phnom Penh as a regional hub, connecting India with Cambodia's growing economy and tourism sector.
Industry observers note that the timing of the expansion aligns with the winter travel season, when demand for Southeast Asian destinations typically peaks. The additional capacity will also support the upcoming Lunar New Year travel period, a peak season for the region. As Air Cambodia continues to strengthen its presence in the Indian market, the new frequency is anticipated to further support the growing demand for direct connectivity, making Cambodia more accessible to Indian travellers.
With the new Thursday service, Air Cambodia now offers a total of three weekly round-trip flights between Delhi and Phnom Penh, a significant improvement over the previous two. The airline's commitment to the Indian market is clear, and the expanded schedule is expected to be well received by both leisure and business travellers.
