New Delhi, February 25th, 2026:
SriLankan Airlines has announced its plan to start direct flights between Colombo and Ahmedabad within two months post regulatory approvals. This will be tenth Indian destination in its list as the airlines move aimed at strengthening air connectivity and boosting religious tourism between the two countries.
At a media meet in Delhi,Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Commercial, SriLankan Airlines shared the plans and highlighted the importance of connecting Ahmedabad as the momentum in India-Sri Lanka relations, especially with Gujarat emerging as an important hub for spiritual and heritage travel.
As 2026 unfolds,SriLankan Airlines plans to increase its weekly India services, currently covering Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Trivandrum, Madurai and Tiruchirappalli. The airline has consistently focused on serving both major metropolitan centres and emerging markets across India, extending its reach to underserved cities.
SriLankan Airlines operates close to 90 weekly flights between the two countries, and more to come, the airline has never been more energised about setting the pace for India’s expanding global footprint. For SriLankan, India is its largest market, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of the airline’s total passenger traffic and 23 per cent of overall visitor arrivals to the island.Building on this momentum, the airline is poised to enhance its India operations this year through targeted strategic initiatives that will strengthen connectivity and reinforce the time-honoured bond between the two nations.
With the addition of Ahmedabad, SriLankan Airlines will serve six of India’s eight major metropolitan hubs, further diversifying its India portfolio and boosting route economics by capitalising on year-round demand and strong cultural ties between the two countries. These initiatives are projected to increase Indian passenger traffic across the airline’s network by up to 12 per cent in 2026.
SriLankan Airlines works closely with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and other trade partners in supporting national tourism ambitions. The airline’s promotional efforts are firmly rooted in positioning Sri Lanka as a vibrant and versatile destination with immense appeal to Indian travellers, offering festivals, cuisine, wellness, beaches,wildlife, history and spirituality. Most recently, SriLankan launched its award-winning epic Ramayana Trail campaign, an emotive storytelling journey inspiring Indian travellers to explore iconic sites along the epic’s legendary path in Sri Lanka.
SriLankan is well positioned to serve Indians jet-setting for any number of reasons, from leisure, business and trade to visiting friends and relatives, or attending destination events, including weddings. Whether travelling to Sri Lanka or beyond, with around 30% of Indian passengers transiting via Colombo,the airline provides seamless connections between the cities it serves in Indiaand the Middle East, the Maldives, the Far East, Europe and Australia through its own and codeshare services.
