SriLankan Airlines remained the leading carrier for tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka in September 2026, bringing in 49,398 tourists, equivalent to 31.15% of total arrivals.
India’s IndiGo ranked second with a 15.05% share, followed by Qatar Airways (7.87%), Etihad Airways (7.3%), Emirates (5.37%), Air India (5.04%) and Turkish Airlines (4.06%). Together, the seven leading airlines accounted for approximately 75.84% of total tourist arrivals during the month. – Aviation Voice
The figures highlight the significant role of Sri Lanka’s national carrier, strong air connectivity with India, and major Middle Eastern and Turkish airlines in supporting international tourism. However, the high dependence on a relatively small number of major carriers also emphasizes the need to diversify airline partnerships and expand direct international routes to strengthen the resilience of the country’s tourism industry.
Source: Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA)
