After Emirates resumed flights to the Kingdom last year, they will expand with another route from Dubai to Siem Reap, from June 3. Hong Raksmey
A major development for Cambodia’s tourism industry is the upcoming launch of a new route which will connect Dubai to Siem Reap, scheduled for June this year.
The addition of this route is expected to boost the flow of international tourists to Cambodia, further strengthening its position as a prominent destination in Southeast Asia.
Starting on June 3, the new service will offer three weekly flights from Dubai to Siem Reap by Emirates, with a layover in Bangkok.
“Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, providing greater flexibility for travelers,” announced the airline.
The flights will depart Dubai at 09:00, with a stopover in Bangkok, before continuing on to Siem Reap, arriving at 21:30 local time.
The return flight will depart Siem Reap at 00:15, arriving in Dubai at 06:50 local time, with a brief stop in Bangkok.
The route will be serviced by a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, offering a two-class cabin configuration.
The new route is poised to enhance tourism opportunities by increasing accessibility for visitors from key markets.
The flight schedule is well-timed to provide travelers with easy connections to Siem Reap from major cities in Europe, the Middle East and beyond.
“Emirates’ service to Siem Reap is optimally timed to offer leisure travellers connectivity via multiple daily operations from France, UK, Spain, Germany, Portugal and Russia,” said Emirates.
Guests from these countries like will have an improved pathway to explore the rich cultural and historical offerings of Siem Reap, including the world-famous Angkor Wat.
Siem Reap, known for its ancient temples and vibrant local culture, has seen improvements in tourism in recent years, with hotels and attractions gradually reopening since the pandemic.
The introduction of the new flights is expected to attract more international visitors, contributing to the growth of Cambodia’s tourism industry.
David Jaya Piot, president of the Siem Reap Chapter of the Cambodia Hotel Association, noted that while the tourism sector is recovering, the focus is on attracting tourists from diverse markets.
“While the Chinese market, which was once a major contributor, is currently underperforming, there is potential for growth from other regions,” Jaya Piot told The Post.
Jaya Piot, also co-founder at Kulen Elephant Forest and managing partner at Angkor Village Group, said data estimates suggest that 60 per cent of properties have reopened compared to pre-Covid-19 levels, with 50 per cent of pre-pandemic room inventory currently available.
“Tourists are primarily fully independent tourists (FIT), while group inclusive tours (GIT) remain behind. The main revenue markets continue to be the US and EU,” he said.
“This is a very big deal. Let's hope the new flights are a success despite taking place in low season,” he said.
Efforts to further promote Cambodia as a premier tourism destination are being led by the Ministry of Tourism.
Strategies include participation in international tourism exhibitions and collaborative programs aimed at attracting visitors from key markets like India and the Middle East.
The ministry is also focusing on turning the low season into a "Green Season," appealing to Muslim tourists who often prefer to visit during the rainy season due to cultural preferences.
“Muslim tourists often prefer to travel during the rainy season, as raindrops are considered a blessing,” said Phirom Manith, acting director of the ministry’s Department of International Cooperation and ASEAN Affairs.
