“With the onset of the winter season, Sri Lanka is witnessing the arrival of several new and returning airlines, signalling a strong comeback for the country’s aviation and tourism sectors,” said Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku.
The end of October has been particularly busy for Sri Lanka’s aviation industry, with several airlines launching or resuming services to the country.
On 24 October 2026, British Airways resumed flights to Sri Lanka after an 11-year absence.
On 25 October 2026, Kazakhstan-based SCAT Airlines resumed its services to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), marking the return of the airline for the Winter 2026 season.
Edelweiss Air resumed its winter-season flights to Colombo on 27 October 2026, increasing its frequency from two to three weekly services between Switzerland and Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, Belarusian flag carrier Belavia Airlines commenced its seasonal Winter 2026/27 operations to Mattala Airport on 27 October 2026.
On 28 October 2026, Uzbekistan-based Centrum Air launched its inaugural Tashkent-Mattala service, further strengthening Sri Lanka’s air connectivity with Central Asia.
In addition, Russian charter airline Azur Air is scheduled to resume direct charter flights to Sri Lanka on 2 November 2026 for the Winter 2026/27 season, following a one-year break.
Commenting on the growing activity at Mattala International Airport, the Deputy Minister stated that the airport is also expected to experience increased operations this winter with the arrival of several international airlines.
“Sri Lanka has surpassed 1.8 million tourist arrivals in 2026, reflecting the continued growth of the country’s tourism sector. With tourist arrivals continuing to rise, this winter is expected to be a particularly busy and promising season for Sri Lanka’s aviation industry.
“The Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation, together with the relevant institutions under its purview, is working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that both new and existing airlines receive the best possible support,” Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku added.
