Today: 5 May 2025
29 October 2021
1 min read

SL approves five new airlines to revive tourism

In addition, from the first week of December, Russia’s AZUR Air and Italy’s Neos Air will fly twice a week to Colombo, the Minister said…reports Asian Lite News.

The Sri Lankan government has approved five new airlines to operate into the country before the end of this year aimed at boosting tourist arrivals following the easing of Covid curbs, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.

Accordingly, Sweden’s Edelweiss Air will operate a weekly flight and Russia’s Aeroflot twice a week from November 1, while Air France will fly three times a week from November 3, reports Xinhua news agency.

In addition, from the first week of December, Russia’s AZUR Air and Italy’s Neos Air will fly twice a week to Colombo, the Minister said.

The operations of these airlines into the country will be 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 said.

With international travel having begun following the administration of the vaccine against Covid-19 globally, nearly 16,500 tourists had arrived in Sri Lanka between October 1 and 24, boosting hopes for the crisis-ridden industry.

“If the trend continues, October is likely to record the highest monthly arrivals for this year,” Ranatunga said.

“With the easing of travel restrictions, there is a growing interest from global travellers to visit the country,” the Minister added.

According to official figures, September saw the highest arrival of 13,547 tourists, thereby boosting the first nine months’ figure to over 54,768.

The majority of these tourists were from India, the UK, Pakistan, Russia, Germany, Maldives, Canada, France, the US and Indonesia.

ALSO READ-Pentagon chief orders US airlines to assist Afghan evacuation

READ MORE-Belarusian airlines banned from flying over EU

Previous Story

Terror attacks on rise in Pak’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Next Story

Imran upset over Shoaib Akhtar-PTV host spat

Latest from -Top News

WAVES 2025: Jaishankar Advocates Cultural Pluralism

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a powerful address at the WAVES 2025 Global Media Dialogue, highlighting the significance of cultural pluralism in shaping global change. Speaking on the second day of

Abu Dhabi, Beirut Reconnect 

A key highlight of Aoun’s visit to UAE was the agreement to ease travel restrictions between the two countries — a move set to facilitate the movement of citizens and promote closer

Putin lauds UAE’s role in prisoner swaps 

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Vladimir Putin reaffirm growing partnership amid UAE’s humanitarian role in Ukraine conflict  In a strong display of strategic diplomacy and humanitarian leadership, President His

ATM 2025 sets new standard 

The global event drew over 55,000 travel and tourism professionals from 166 countries, marking a 16% year-on-year increase in attendance and cementing Dubai’s role as a key hub for shaping the future
Go toTop

Don't Miss

China’s grip on Sri Lanka sparks concerns

There is indeed a strong case to examine whether Sri

Modi Urges Domestic Tourism Boost with 9 Citizen Pledges

The matter snowballed into a major diplomatic row, with New