Direct flights to commence between Sri Lanka and Israel
The Morning: A special discussion regarding commencement of direct passenger flights from Tel Aviv in Israel to Katunayake was held between the civil aviation authorities of the two countries on Saturday (1 July) at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation.
Issuing a statement, the Ministry said that the civil aviation Authorities of the two countries discussed at length, arriving at an agreement by resolving existing problems regarding the commencement of the new air service.
The representatives of the aviation sector from Israel paid special attention to the security conditions at Katunayake Airport and the surrounding area during the commencement of flight operations.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka gave an explanation about the security procedures carried out in the aviation operations of Sri Lanka. It is reported that the Israeli representatives were satisfied by the security arrangements.
Accordingly, the Civil Aviation Authority said that a memorandum of understanding between the civil aviation authorities of the two countries is to be signed soon, and that the aircrafts belonging to Israel’s “Arkia” airline are scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka from next October.
Presenting the facts in this discussion, the minister said that the opportunity to commence direct flights between the two countries came as a result of a discussion between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Government of Israel.
He said that a large number of Israeli tourists are looking forward to traveling to Sri Lanka and the commencement of this air service will be very convenient for Israeli tourists.
Also, the minister said that a large number of Sri Lankan workers are engaged in various jobs in Israel and said that this direct air service will give them great convenience and financial benefit in purchasing air tickets.
The meeting was chaired by Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. Ministry Secretary K.D.S Ruwanchandra, the Civil Aviation Authority’s Director General P.K Jayakantha, Israel’s Air Transport Division Senior Director Ishay Don-Yehiya and a group of eight representatives also participated in this discussion.
OSL take:
Many international airlines have started to increase the number of flights operated to Sri Lanka. This is indicative of the increase in the number of foreign travelers visiting Sri Lanka. These include business travelers as well as foreign tourists. It is also indicative of the growing business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s airport, aviation and tourism sectors. Foreign businesses/investors could explore the growing business potential in Sri Lanka. However, the commencement of direct flights between Israel and Sri Lanka would see Israel businesses, investors and tourists making their way to Sri Lanka. Local businesses could also explore opportunities of forming partnerships or joint ventures with Israeli counterparts.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20230711/Z_4 |