Red Wings Airlines has suspended its direct flight operations between the Russia and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), marking another setback for the airport’s commercial activity.
According to former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga, the airline operated 516 direct flights to Mattala since 28 December 2022. During this period, tour operators including ANEX Tour, Fun & Sun and Sri Lanka’s Exotic Holiday International and Aitken Spence Travels facilitated the arrival of 198,501 Russian tourists, generating an estimated USD 317.6 million in foreign exchange earnings for the country.
However, citing ongoing fuel constraints and economic challenges, the final Red Wings flight departed Mattala for Russia on 07 April carrying 399 passengers.
Weeratunga noted that with the suspension of these operations, Mattala Airport risks reverting to minimal activity, with duty-free outlets, SriLankan Airlines-operated restaurants and other commercial ventures facing potential closure.
Background
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport has struggled to maintain consistent operations since its inception (2013). Despite efforts by successive governments, sustained airline operations remained limited.
The airport saw a revival during the 2019 pandemic when Ukrainian tourists began arriving on 28 December 2020, under an initiative led by Udayanga Weeratunga. This marked a turning point, demonstrating the airport’s potential to handle international charter operations during a critical period for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
Editorial Note
While long-term sustainability remains a challenge, the role played by the Former Ambassador Udayanga Weeratunga in reactivating Mattala Airport during a period of global uncertainty is noteworthy. His efforts highlighted the airport’s operational viability and its potential contribution to Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery.
