Enter Air’s inaugural charter flight touched down at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on October 30, 2024, marking the start of a new series of charter connections between Poland and Sri Lanka. This Warsaw-Colombo route will operate regularly until the end of March 2025, enhancing travel and tourism links between the two countries.

Upon arrival, the aircraft was honored with a water salute, and passengers were warmly welcomed by a traditional dance performance arranged by Sri Lanka Tourism, celebrating the vibrant culture of the island.

Source: https://aviationvoice.lk/enter-air-begins-charter-flights-connecting-poland-and-sri-lanka/

Jetstar Asia, based in Singapore, officially launched scheduled flight operations between Sri Lanka and Singapore on November 21, 2024.

The airline will operate five return flights weekly, utilizing its modern Airbus A320 fleet to connect the two destinations.

The inaugural flight touched down at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) at 10:30 AM, carrying 179 passengers. It received a ceremonial water salute from Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL), marking the occasion with grandeur.

Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/jetstar-asia-officially-launches-flights-between-singapore-and-sri-lanka-what-new-you-need-to-know/

Enhancing convenience for Sri Lankan customers travelling to Hong Kong and beyond, Hong Kong’s home carrier Cathay Pacific has announced a new winter schedule for 2024-2025. The airline will be operating four return flights per week — up from the current three — between Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport and Hong Kong from 2 January 2025 to 1 March 2025, with plans to further increase the frequency to five return flights per week from 2 March 2025 to 30 March 2025. These flights will be operated by the airline’s Airbus A330 aircraft, equipped with flatbeds in Business class, as well as Premium Economy and Economy cabins.

Customers wishing to continue their journey to onward destinations can connect onto flights to other cities in the Greater Bay Area as well as popular destinations in the Chinese Mainland, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand via Cathay Pacific’s home hub, Hong Kong.

Read more: https://www.traveltalkasia.com/2024/11/15/cathay-pacific-enhances-winter-schedule-with-additional-flights-from-colombo/

Swiss airline, Edelweiss Air, resumed scheduled seasonal flight operations to Sri Lanka for the winter season, with the first flight carrying 221 passengers, arriving at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake. The inaugural flight was ceremonially welcomed with a water salute by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Pvt. Limited (AASL). According to the AASL, Edelweiss commenced operations of its A340-300 to Colombo on October 31 and will continue until May 9, 2025. Edelweiss has also announced that it will operate two direct flights to Colombo in the 2025 winter season.

Read more: Newswire

SriLankan Airlines, the national airline of Sri Lanka, has joined the Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (BARIG), an influential body advocating for the interests of both national and international airlines operating in Germany. This membership underscores SriLankan Airlines’ commitment to enhancing its presence in the German market while aligning itself with other international carriers focused on improving operational standards, connectivity, and passenger experience across the industry.

SriLankan Airlines, a member of the oneworld alliance, operates a fleet of 24 Airbus aircraft and connects passengers to 114 destinations across 62 countries. For German travellers, this includes three weekly non-stop flights between Frankfurt and Colombo, the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka. This connection supports both tourism and business travel, allowing German passengers easy access to one of South Asia’s most scenic and culturally rich destinations.

“Germany is an important market for SriLankan Airlines, with Sri Lanka attracting over 100,000 visitors from Germany each year,” noted Michael Hoppe, BARIG Chairman and Executive Director. Hoppe, who first visited Sri Lanka in 1992, commented, “We are looking forward to the exchange and collaboration with this renowned airline.” As a BARIG member, SriLankan Airlines will now have access to strategic industry discussions with German aviation stakeholders, further supporting the airline’s aims to expand its German footprint and enhance service offerings.

Read more: https://avitrader.com/2024/11/01/srilankan-airlines-joins-barig-strengthening-ties-between-germany-and-sri-lanka/

Qatar Airways is to launch a new flight service connecting Doha and Toronto’s Pearson Airport. The new route will start from December 11, 2024 with three weekly nonstop flights between Toronto Pearson International Airport and Hamad International Airport (DOH).

Read more: https://www.travelweek.ca/news/qatar-airways-expands-canadian-service-with-flights-to-toronto/

Centrum Air, Uzbekistan’s rapidly growing airline, has announced a new weekly service between Tashkent and Colombo, Sri Lanka, from November 17, 2024. This addition marks a significant step in expanding Uzbekistan’s air connectivity to South Asia, providing both leisure and business travelers with a new direct link to the tropical island nation. The route will be operated by Airbus A321neo, known for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, aligning with Centrum Air’s commitment to modern and efficient air travel.

The new route, scheduled to operate on Sundays, will depart from Tashkent International Airport (TAS) at 2:40 AM and arrive at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) at 9:10 AM local time. The return flight will leave Colombo at 10:30 AM, reaching Tashkent by 3:40 PM. This schedule offers convenient timing for travelers who wish to maximize their time in Sri Lanka, arriving early in the morning and departing mid-morning for a comfortable return to Tashkent.

Read more: https://aviationvoice.lk/uzbekistans-centrum-air-to-launch-new-weekly-flights-from-tashkent-to-colombo/

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Sweden, in partnership with SriLankan Airlines, recently hosted an event for travel companies, tour operators, and media representatives in Stockholm, to promote SriLankan Airlines.

The event held at the embassy showcased Sri Lanka as a premier travel destination while highlighting the services of SriLankan Airlines and its connections across Europe.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Sweden, Kapila Fonseka provided an overview of Sri Lanka’s current situation which is conducive to the growth of the tourism sector. A presentation was delivered by Minister Counsellor of the Embassy, highlighting Sri Lanka’s unique charm as a travel destination, and the excellent hospitality and services available to the visitor. Sales Manager of SriLankan Airlines for Nordic Countries Stefan Holmstrom presented on the airline’s outstanding services, its connections throughout Europe with non-stop flights to Colombo, and the on-board facilities available to passengers. The presentations were complemented by engaging video clips featuring the beauty of Sri Lanka. The evening concluded with an authentic Sri Lankan meal.

Source: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aviationvoice_sri-lanka-tourism-and-srilankan-airlines-activity-7257111082454929408-QTqK/

Air India and Singapore Airlines have announced the expansion of their codeshare network with 11 new domestic and 40 international destinations.

Starting from October 27, 2024, Air India and Singapore Airlines will launch joint flights connecting Singapore with Bengaluru and Chennai cities in India. According to the press release, this will raise the total weekly codeshare flights between the two countries from 14 to 56.

According to a joint press release issued by the carriers on October 23, 2024, this marks the first major expansion of codeshare arrangements between the airlines since 2010.

Source: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aviationvoice_air-india-singapore-airlines-expands-codeshare-activity-7254933080665202688-ZG73/

SriLankan Airlines enhances the Bengaluru-Colombo route with new daytime flights from October 31, 2024, offering 10 weekly options for Indian travelers.SriLankan Airlines, the flagship carrier of Sri Lanka, is set to launch a new daytime flight service between Bengaluru, India, and Colombo, Sri Lanka, from October 31, 2024. This addition boosts the airline’s weekly operations to 10 flights on this popular route, enhancing connectivity for both Indian holidaymakers and business travelers. The introduction of daytime flight options will provide more convenience, particularly for travelers seeking quick weekend getaways or timely arrival for business events in Sri Lanka.

Flight UL 1174 is scheduled to depart from Bengaluru at 09:40 a.m. every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with a smooth arrival in Colombo at 11:10 a.m. The return flight, UL 1173, will depart Colombo at 07:20 a.m. on the same days, arriving in Bengaluru by 08:40 a.m. These timings cater to travelers who prioritize early arrivals and convenient flight schedules. SriLankan Airlines’ new daytime service aligns well with the preferences of Indian travelers, providing a streamlined experience for both tourists and business attendees heading to Sri Lanka for short and purposeful stays.

Read More: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/bengaluru-colombo-route-transformed-by-srilankan-airlines-with-new-daytime-flights-starting-october-31-2024-offering-10-weekly-options-ideal-for-indian-travelers/?utm_source=pocket_shared