Sri Lanka approves five new airlines to operate to the country
Sri Lanka’s Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunge has stated that the government of Sri Lanka has approved five new airlines to operate into Sri Lanka before the end of this year.
Accordingly, Sweden’s Edelweiss is to operate a weekly flight and Russia’s Aeroflot twice a week from 1 November, while Air France is to fly three times a week from 3 November.
Also, Russia’s Air Azur and Italy’s Nyos Air are to also fly twice a week to Colombo from the first week of December.
The new airlines planned to operate into Sri Lanka are a reflection of the efforts made by the Tourism Ministry held internationally to revive the industry post-pandemic, according to local media reports.
The Minister has noted that the operations will be carried out subject to strict health guidelines.
“The aim is to enhance foreign earnings through the revival of the tourism industry and contribute to the national economy,” Ranatunga has added.
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has recorded nearly 16,500 tourist arrivals to the country between 1 and 24 October.
OSL take:
The number of flights operated to Sri Lanka by international airlines have seen an increase in the past few months while several new airlines have expressed interest in operating to the country. The aggressive Covid vaccination programme in the country and the internationally recognised safety and hygiene certifications received by Sri Lanka’s airports have made the island an attractive post Covid travel destination. Apart from tourist arrivals, Sri Lanka’s expanding economy and growth as an emerging business destination in the South Asian region have increased the arrival of foreign travellers to the country. Given the growth momentum shown by Sri Lanka, foreign businesses/investors could explore the growing opportunities in the country.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/02112021/Z_1 |