### SriLankan Airlines Cancels Middle East Flights Amid Airspace Closures 🚫

SriLankan Airlines has officially cancelled several scheduled flights today, February 28, 2026, due to the sudden closure of regional airspace amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. • Cancelled Outbound Services (from Colombo): UL265 (Riyadh), UL229 (Kuwait), UL253 (Dammam), UL225 (Dubai), and UL217 (Doha). • Cancelled Inbound Services (to Colombo): UL230 (Kuwait), UL266 (Riyadh), UL254 (Dammam), UL226 (Dubai), and UL218 (Doha). • Operational Context: The national carrier cited passenger safety and operational security as the primary reasons for the disruption. This move aligns with global airline trends as carriers adjust schedules in response to evolving security risks in the Middle East. • Impact on Key Sectors: Disruptions to these routes impact labor migration and tourism, as the Middle East is a critical hub for the Sri Lankan diaspora and a major transit point for international arrivals. • Passenger Support: Affected travelers are advised to contact the airline via the 1979 hotline (local) or +94 11 777 1979 (international). Based on current reports, further schedule changes remain possible. 📈