SriLankan Airlines Strengthens India Links with Expanded Flights and New Destinations

SriLankan Airlines announces expansion plans in India

India and Sri Lanka have shared centuries of cultural, religious and commercial connections, and now SriLankan Airlines is making travel between the two neighbours easier than ever. At a special media conference held in Delhi alongside SATTE 2026, South Asia's premier travel and tourism exhibition, SriLankan Airlines unveiled a series of strategic initiatives designed to enhance connectivity, expand its Indian network and encourage even more travellers to discover the beauty of Sri Lanka.

With nearly 90 weekly flights already linking the two countries and additional services planned, the airline is reinforcing its position as one of the leading carriers connecting India with Sri Lanka and destinations across the globe.

India Remains SriLankan Airlines' Largest International Market

India continues to be the airline's most significant international market, accounting for almost 30 percent of SriLankan Airlines' total passenger traffic and approximately 23 percent of all visitor arrivals to Sri Lanka.

The strong demand reflects the close relationship between the two nations, with travellers flying for leisure holidays, business, trade, education, religious pilgrimages, weddings and visits to family and friends.

Recognising this continued growth, SriLankan Airlines is investing further in its Indian operations to meet rising demand while providing travellers with greater convenience and more destination choices.

Ahmedabad Joins the Growing Network

One of the most significant announcements made during SATTE 2026 was the addition of Ahmedabad as SriLankan Airlines' tenth destination in India.

The airline already serves Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Trivandrum, Madurai and Tiruchirappalli. The introduction of Ahmedabad further strengthens its presence by expanding services to six of India's eight largest metropolitan areas.

Rather than concentrating solely on major gateway cities, SriLankan Airlines continues to serve emerging regional markets, creating greater accessibility for travellers throughout India.

The expanded network is expected to increase Indian passenger traffic across the airline's international routes by up to 12 percent during the year.

Colombo Offers Seamless Global Connections

SriLankan Airlines has developed Colombo into an efficient regional hub connecting India with destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Australia.

Around 30 percent of Indian passengers travelling with the airline use Colombo as a convenient transit point before continuing their journeys to the Maldives, Australia, the Far East, Europe and numerous destinations throughout the Middle East.

The airline's growing schedule and well-timed connections provide Indian travellers with an attractive alternative when travelling internationally, reducing transit times while offering smooth onward connections through its own network and codeshare partners.

Discover the Many Wonders of Sri Lanka

Fawzan Fareid Regional Manager
for India, Bangladesh and Nepal

While Colombo serves as an important international hub, SriLankan Airlines is equally committed to promoting Sri Lanka as a world-class holiday destination for Indian travellers.

Working closely with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and travel industry partners, the airline continues to showcase the island's extraordinary diversity.

Visitors can experience magnificent golden beaches, lush hill country, ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wildlife safaris, colourful cultural festivals, wellness retreats, Buddhist heritage, spectacular cuisine and vibrant local traditions.

One of the airline's most successful tourism campaigns is the award-winning Ramayana Trail, inviting Indian travellers to follow the legendary journey through some of Sri Lanka's most historically and spiritually significant locations connected to the ancient epic.

Supporting Travel Trade and Digital Innovation

SriLankan Airlines continues to balance technological innovation with strong relationships across the travel industry.

Approximately 60 percent of bookings made by Indian travellers continue to come through traditional travel agents and online travel agencies, while the remaining bookings are made directly through the airline's website and digital platforms.

As the airline expands its online capabilities, it remains committed to supporting travel trade partners throughout India, ensuring travellers can choose the booking method that best suits their needs.

This combination of modern digital services and trusted travel professionals enables SriLankan Airlines to serve customers across one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.

Building Stronger Connections for the Future

The expansion of SriLankan Airlines' Indian network demonstrates its long-term commitment to strengthening tourism, business and cultural exchanges between India and Sri Lanka.

With nearly 90 weekly flights, the addition of Ahmedabad, seamless international connections through Colombo and a continued focus on customer convenience, the airline is well positioned to meet the growing travel demand between the two neighbouring countries.

Whether travellers are seeking a relaxing beach holiday, a cultural adventure, a business opportunity or an onward international journey, SriLankan Airlines continues to make India and Sri Lanka closer than ever before.

SriLankan Airlines

Website: https://www.srilankan.com
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Website: https://www.srilanka.travel
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Website: https://www.sltda.gov.lk
SATTE – South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange Website: https://satte.in

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