Jaffna Joins IndiGo’s Global Network as its 34th International Destination with Direct Flights from Chennai

IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has announced Jaffna, Sri Lanka, as the newest addition to its international route network. The airline will start non-stop daily flights between Chennai and Jaffna, starting September 01, 2024. Jaffna will be the second destination in Sri Lanka after Colombo for IndiGo, making it the 34th international and 122nd overall destination in its extensive 6E network.

Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited had successful discussions with the airline over the past few months and is pleased to this new marketing opening in Jaffna with the addition of another international airline to Jaffna International Airport (JIA).

Hon. Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister of Ports Shipping and Aviation, said, “The launch of international flights connecting Jaffna and Chennai by IndiGo will be a great strategic initiative in our attempt to develop the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. The acceptance of our invitation to IndiGo to commence flight operations will further strengthen the strong cultural and trade ties between India and Sri Lanka.  Further, we are now exploring the possibilities for the expansion of Jaffna International Airport to meet the present and future development requirements. I am extremely happy to see the new development in Jaffna, and I congratulate IndiGo for continued partnership with us for the future.”

Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, said, “We are pleased to announce Jaffna as our new destination in Sri Lanka, which will serve as a catalyst in enhancing trade & tourism between our two countries. In addition to these daily flights from Chennai to Jaffna, we also offer 30 weekly frequencies from 4 points in India to Colombo. This 75-minute flight would significantly reduce travel time, making Jaffna, Sri Lanka even more accessible. We are continuously working towards providing our customers with superior connectivity and enhanced accessibility to explore new horizons with our ever-expanding range of travel options.”

Further, Eng. Athula Galketiya, Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Pvt) Limited (AASL), said: “AASL recently had successful negotiations with IndiGo to commence flight operations between Jaffna and Chennai, India. I am grateful to IndiGo for their decision to commence direct flight operations between Jaffna and Chennai from the 1st of September 2024 with daily flights. This connectivity will boost travel and trade in the Northern Province, strengthening the cultural, economic, and religious bonds between the two nations.”

India has consistently held the position of the top primary market for international tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka. In June 2024, Indian arrivals accounted for 25.2% of the total, with over 28,631 travelers, compared to a 26.7% share in June 2023 with around 26,830 passengers. There is also an increasing interest in travel to Jaffna. In this context, IndiGo’s latest route announcement to Jaffna will enhance accessibility across the region. Jaffna will complement IndiGo’s existing flights to Colombo, offering travelers a secondary market access point in Sri Lanka.

The demand for travel between Chennai and Jaffna is evident, with over 21,000 passengers flying the route in just nine months last year. IndiGo’s new direct flight provides a timely boost to this resurgence, offering seamless connectivity and tapping into a key market for Sri Lanka’s tourism revival. India and Sri Lanka share a rich legacy of intellectual, cultural, religious and trade relations spanning over 2,500 years.

Jaffna, a city located in the northern province of Sri Lanka, is a destination that boasts a rich history and cultural significance. Its vibrant Tamil heritage is reflected in its traditions, festivals, and historical landmarks, showcasing the resilience and diversity of its people. Visitors can explore iconic sites such as the Jaffna Fort, which serves as an architectural testament to the region’s colonial past, and the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, a revered Hindu temple that holds both religious and cultural importance. The community’s resilience, combined with its cultural treasures and culinary delights, makes Jaffna a must-visit destination for travellers seeking an authentic and enriching experience.

Customers who wish to plan their travel can book tickets via our official website www.goIndiGo.in or through our mobile app. The introduction of these flights will further bolster the airline’s international connectivity.

Flight schedule:

*Schedule maybe subject to change depending on approvals from regulatory authorities

Bookings for the flight are open from August, 01, 2024.