SriLankan Airlines: Bringing India closer to Sri Lanka | News
SriLankan Airlines has long made it a mission to bring India closer to Sri Lanka and the world. With nearly 90 weekly flights between the two countries, and more to come, the airline has never been more energetic in setting the pace for India’s growing global footprint. SriLankan proudly considers India as its largest market, accounting for almost 30% of the airline’s total passenger traffic and 23% of the island’s total visitor numbers. Building on this momentum, the airline is poised to expand its operations in India this year through targeted strategic initiatives that will strengthen connectivity and strengthen the long-standing bond between the two countries.
As 2026 progresses, SriLankan Airlines plans to expand its weekly flights to India, currently serving Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Trivandrum, Madurai and Tiruchirappalli. The airline has consistently focused on serving both major urban centers and emerging markets across India, expanding its reach to underserved cities. Ahmedabad will soon join this network as SriLankan’s tenth Indian destination will be Ahmedabad. The airline has consistently focused on serving both major urban centers and emerging markets across India, expanding its reach to underserved cities.
With the addition of Ahmedabad, SriLankan Airlines will serve six of India’s eight major urban hubs, further diversifying the Indian portfolio and boosting route economics by capitalizing on year-round demand and strong cultural ties between the two countries. These initiatives are expected to increase Indian passenger traffic through the airline’s network by as much as 12% this year.
SriLankan is well positioned to serve the jet-setting of Indians for a variety of reasons, from leisure, business and commerce to visiting friends and relatives, or attending events including weddings. Whether traveling to Sri Lanka or beyond, with approximately 30% of Indian passengers traveling via Colombo, the airline provides seamless connections between the cities it serves in India and the Middle East, Maldives, Far East, Europe and Australia through its own and codeshare services.
SriLankan Airlines works closely with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and other trade partners in supporting the nation’s tourism ambitions. The airline’s promotional efforts are firmly rooted in positioning Sri Lanka as a vibrant and diverse destination with tremendous appeal to Indian travelers, offering festivals, gastronomy, wellness, beaches, nature, history and spirituality. Recently, SriLankan launched its award-winning epic Ramayana Trail campaign, an emotional storytelling journey that inspires Indian travelers to explore iconic locations along the legendary path of the epic in Sri Lanka.
About 60% of Indian passenger bookings are made through indirect channels, including traditional trading partners and online travel agencies, while the rest are made directly through SriLankan Airlines channels. As it expands its digital capabilities, SriLankan Airlines continues to nurture its trade partnerships and serve travelers across India through both channels. For more information and bookings, visit www.srilankan.com
