Sri Lankan government approves licenses to foreign airlines to operate domestic flights
The government of Sri Lanka has reportedly given the clearance to license foreign airlines to operate flights between internal airports in a bid to boost the domestic aviation sector.
According to the local media, under existing bilateral agreements foreign airlines operating to Sri Lanka cannot carry traffic between airports within the island.
However, the Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Authority to issue one year operating licenses to foreign airlines that are interested in flying within Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s Government Information Department has stated that the airlines would be allowed to operate to Jaffna International Airport, Batticaloa, Colombo, Ratmalana and Mattala International Airports.
Sri Lanka is expecting Indian airlines to operate to Jaffna later this year using smaller regional aircraft, who may also find the liberalisation useful, the local media has reported.
OSL take:
The latest move by the government of Sri Lanka has opened up a new business/investment opportunity in the country’s aviation industry. Sri Lankan authorities are focused on uplifting and developing the country’s airport and aviation industry. It is aimed at making Sri Lanka a hub in the Indian Ocean region. Sri Lanka’s geographical positioning in the Indian Ocean, the ease of doing business environment in the country and the strong trade ties with other countries as well as the continuously growing tourism industry makes the island the ideal business/investment destination in South Asia.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/04102019/Z_5 |