Sri Lanka to resume flights between Jaffna and Chennai along with more regional flights
Sri Lanka’s Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga has reportedly stated that flights between Chennai and Jaffna, which were temporarily suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, are expected to resume in the next few months.
The Minister has further noted that a number of airlines have already held discussions with Sri Lanka to establish new regional routes which will connect Maldives and South India.
According to the Jaffna Palali Airport Development Programme, shortcomings at the airport are currently being identified and will be implemented in three phases. By the end of the third phase, the runway will be extended to 3,200 meters to the north and facilities will be developed for large-scale aircraft operations, The Sunday Morning has reported.
The National Policy Framework reportedly states that the Jaffna Airport will be developed and promoted with the aim of attracting new airlines under the Sri Lanka International Airport Development Programme.
Domestic flights which connect the Colombo International Airport, Jaffna International Airport, and Batticaloa International Airport will be promoted, the report further states.
Once the Ministry of Tourism identifies locations in the North and East where tourism is highly valued, the ministry will work together with the airlines to carry out marketing promotions and the project aims to earn a large amount of foreign exchange by successfully completing airport infrastructure projects under the process of positioning Sri Lanka as an aviation hub, the report added.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka and India enjoy strong bilateral and trade ties that continue to grow. Therefore, the resumption of flightd between Sri Lanka and India would recommence the trade, tourism and economic activities that came to a halt during the global Covid 19 lockdown. Therefore, foreign businesses/investors interested in doing business with India could look at setting ip base in Sri Lanka. Also, Sri Lanka is fast becoming a business hub in the South Asian region given its geographical positioning in the Indian Ocean and the many trade agreements as well as trade concessions enjoyed by the country. As a regional hub, Sri Lanka provides the best business/investment opportunities to foreign businesses/investors.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20210408//Z_3 |