SUDESH RUPASINGHE
COLOMBO : Sri Lanka’s aviation industry is entering a renewed phase of growth in 2025, reflecting rising global confidence, increased airline operations, and a steady recovery in travel demand. Both scheduled and charter airline services have expanded, reinforcing the country’s strategic importance as a regional gateway between East and West.
SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier, continues to lead the way, playing a critical role in restoring connectivity, supporting tourism growth, and maintaining Sri Lanka’s presence across key regional and long-haul markets.
During 2025, scheduled airline operations have been strengthened or commenced by carriers such as Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, IndiGo, Air India, and Cathay Pacific, ensuring strong connectivity with the Middle East, Europe, South Asia, and the Far East.
In parallel, non-scheduled and seasonal charter operations have expanded, particularly supporting winter tourism. Airlines such as Enter Air (Poland), Edelweiss Air (Switzerland), Red Wings Airlines (Russia), Belavia Airlines (Belarus), and other seasonal European operators have commenced or returned with charter services to Sri Lanka, operating mainly to Colombo and Mattala.
Tourism arrivals in 2025 have shown strong momentum, with Sri Lanka welcoming over two million visitors, driven by improved air access and renewed destination confidence. From golden beaches and misty hill country to wildlife sanctuaries and heritage cities, Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and warm hospitality continue to attract travellers worldwide.
Growing interest in Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) as a secondary gateway has further strengthened charter and niche airline operations, easing capacity pressure on Colombo while supporting regional tourism development.
The Board of Airline Representatives (BAR) Sri Lanka continues to work closely with government authorities, regulators, and stakeholders to support airline operations, encourage market confidence, and promote sustainable aviation growth. With strong collaboration, policy stability, and infrastructure development, Sri Lanka’s aviation sector is well positioned to drive long-term economic growth and global connectivity.( Sudesh Rupasinghe is the Vice Chairman – Board of Airline Representatives (BAR) Sri Lanka
Head of Kuwait Airways – Sri Lanka & Maldives)
