Sri Lanka receives more tourists from Russia as SriLankan Airlines resumes flights to Moscow
Sri Lanka has recorded an increase in tourists from Russia as Sri Lanka’s national carrier, SriLankan Airlines, commenced direct flights between Sri Lanka and Russia.
The inaugural flight was ceremonially greeted with a water salute at Domodedovo Airport (DME) in Moscow.
SriLankan has reportedly resumed flights to the Russian capital after a break of six years, between Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport (DME).
Accordingly, SriLankan will operate flights to Russia every Friday using an Airbus A330 configured for 269 economy and 28 business class seats. The frequency of operation will be once a week, having a flight time of around 8 hours and 25 minutes.
SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ashok Pathirage has been quoted as saying, “Sri Lanka has a longstanding relationship with Russia which dates back to many centuries, as we have kept an undiminished friendship propagating trade, tourism, culture, and education. SriLankan Airlines resumes flights to Moscow providing a significant air link that opens to the gateway of the South Asian region. We hope that our flights between the two countries build a window of opportunity for both countries in terms of trade and tourism.
“Our frequent flyer programme FlySmiLes provides travellers with a wide range of rewards to its members through a host of partners. Platinum and Gold Members are entitled to a range of privileges such as complimentary lounge access across the oneworld network, priority Business Class check-in and boarding and additional baggage allowances. FlySmiLes’ top tier members can earn and redeem miles on any oneworld member carriers. These privileges have been tailored to create a smooth and hassle-free journey filled with luxury.”
“We are delighted to return to Russia as we add Moscow to our growing route network. Passengers can now transfer or travel to Sri Lanka as restrictions in the country gradually ease for international business and leisure visitors. In time to come we look forward to increasing our cargo and passenger frequencies,” SriLankan Airlines CEO Vipula Gunatilleka has said.
OSL take:
Tourist arrivals to the country have shown a steady growth since the country re-opened its borders earlier in the year. Sri Lanka has been listed as a must visit destination by several leading global travel publications and the country’s airports have received the internationally recognised safety and hygiene certifications making the island an attractive travel destination in post Covid travel. Sri Lanka’s tourism industry was one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the country when the global Covid 19 pandemic brought about global travel restrictions. However, Sri Lanka’s tourism authorities have continuously promoted the island under several tourism categories. The island is also emerging as a business destination in the South Asian region. All these have expanded business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/05082021/Z_1 |