Phnom penh: The establishment of the first direct air link between Cambodia and India is set to significantly enhance access for Cambodian citizens to high-quality and affordable healthcare, officials announced Thursday. Commencing Nov. 13, IndiGo Airlines will operate three weekly flights connecting Siem Reap, Cambodia, with Kolkata, a major commercial and medical hub in eastern India.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the new route, flying on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, will facilitate direct travel for patients seeking treatment at India’s renowned Apollo Hospitals network. This direct connection is expected to streamline medical travel, allowing patients to undergo consultations, procedures, and check-ups with minimal transit time and return home within days.

“With the introduction of direct flights, our high-quality medical services are more accessible and convenient than ever for Cambodian citizens,” said Abhijit Majumdar, Chief Executive Officer of Apollo Hospitals in Kolkata. “We are committed to delivering exceptional healthcare to patients worldwide and look forward to welcoming patients from Cambodia to our facilities.”

Apollo Hospitals, one of Asia’s largest and most prominent healthcare providers, has a documented record of treating over 150 million patients from over 140 countries. The group is known for its medical excellence, advanced technology, and research initiatives. The hospital group will formally introduce its services to the Cambodian public at the Wellness Expo 2025, organised by the International Business Chamber of Cambodia.

The event is scheduled for Nov. 1-2 at the AEON Mall Meanchey in Phnom Penh. “Our goal is to provide Cambodian patients with both quality and convenience,” Majumdar added. “We are confident this new air link will make our patient-centered healthcare a viable option for many.”