Colombo-Ahmedabad Direct Flights to Launch in April š
Sri Lanka is set to strengthen its aviation and tourism ties with India through the commencement of direct flight services between Colombo and Ahmedabad. ⢠Aviation Connectivity: SriLankan Airlines will operate the new direct route starting April 2026. This adds to the existing network of approximately 180 weekly flights between the two nations. ⢠Tourism Impact: The route is expected to boost religious tourism and pilgrimage activities, specifically enabling Sri Lankan devotees to travel to Gujarat and vice-versa. ⢠Regional Strategy: The move aligns with the Ministry of Tourism's plan to position Sri Lanka as a high-yield, short-haul hub for South Asian travelers. ⢠Economic Context: India remains a top source market for Sri Lanka, contributing significantly to tourism and representing nearly 40-50% of recent FDI inflows when routed through global subsidiaries. _Note: Operational details are based on initial announcements by the Deputy Minister of Tourism._