COLOMBO : Marking a significant milestone in bilateral aviation ties, Kuwait Airways, one of the oldest international carriers operating to Sri Lanka, officially re-launched its direct online operations to Colombo after two years of successful codeshare operations with SriLankan Airlines.
The national carrier of the State of Kuwait, which first commenced services to Sri Lanka on 15th October 1978, now resumes four weekly flights using its state-of-the-art Airbus A320neo aircraft, offering passengers enhanced comfort and seamless connectivity.
The inaugural flight welcoming ceremony was held at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today, the 27th, with a water cannon salute presented by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, followed by a Kandyan dance performance by Sri Lanka Tourism. Additionally, passengers were warmly welcomed with Ceylon Tea gifts offered by the Sri Lanka Tea Board. The event was attended by Mr. Abdullah Ahmad A.M.A. Almuhana, Charge d’Affaires of the State of Kuwait in Sri Lanka; Sunil Jayaratne, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka; Capt. Daminda Rabukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation; Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Deputy Director General, CAASL; Aruna Rajapaksha, Head of Airport Management, (AASL), Dr. Sumith De Silva, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications (AASL); and Mr. Sudesh Rupasinghe, Commercial Manager – Passenger & Cargo, Kuwait Airways Sri Lanka and Maldives, along with other dignitaries and industry representatives.
Speaking at the event, Abdullah Ahmad A.M.A. Almuhana, Charge d’Affaires of the State of Kuwait, expressed his delight at the resumption, stating:
“The return of Kuwait Airways to Sri Lanka marks more than just the restart of flights — it symbolizes the strengthening of friendship and cooperation between our two nations. This reconnection will bring immense value to trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.”
Sunil Jayaratna, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, welcomed Kuwait Airways back, noting:
“Kuwait Airways has a long and historic relationship with Sri Lanka. We are pleased to see the national carrier of Kuwait once again gracing our skies, reinforcing the deep bilateral ties between our countries.”
Sudesh Rupasinghe, Commercial Manager – Passenger & Cargo, highlighted the importance of the relaunch:
“Kuwait Airways has been an integral part of Sri Lanka’s aviation landscape since 1978. Under the leadership of Captain Abdulmohsen Al-Fagaan, Chairman of Kuwait Airways, the timely decision to resume direct operations aligns with the growing travel demand between our nations. This relaunch will boost tourism, employment, investment, and multicultural opportunities, while providing passengers with convenient onward connections to over 18 European destinations and New York, USA.”
He further extended appreciation to the Civil Aviation Authority, Airport and Ground Handling teams, and SriLankan Airlines for their continued cooperation and support.
The event concluded with a ceremonial cake-cutting and the exchange of mementos, symbolizing a new chapter in the long-standing partnership between Kuwait Airways and Sri Lanka’s aviation industry.
