SriLankan Airlines Plans Ahmedabad Entry Within Three Months
New Delhi, February 24: SriLankan Airlines is set to strengthen its footprint in India with plans to launch direct flights between Colombo and Ahmedabad within the next three months. The move is part of the carrier’s broader strategy to deepen its presence in its largest international market.Subject to regulatory approvals, the airline intends to operate four weekly services connecting Colombo and Ahmedabad. Once operational, Ahmedabad will become the tenth Indian destination on the airline’s network.
Currently, SriLankan Airlines operates 89 weekly flights from Colombo to nine Indian cities. With the addition of Ahmedabad, the total number of weekly services to India will increase to 93.
India Emerges as Key Market for SriLankan Airlines
Speaking at a briefing in the national capital, Head of Commercial Dimuthu Tennakoon said India accounts for nearly 40 per cent of the airline’s annual traffic. In 2025, the carrier transported over 4 million passengers.India remains the airline’s largest market, contributing nearly 30 per cent of total passenger traffic and 23 per cent of overall visitor arrivals to Sri Lanka. In 2025 alone, around 2.3 million tourists visited the island nation.
With Ahmedabad joining the network, SriLankan Airlines will serve six of India’s eight major metropolitan hubs. The airline said the expansion will diversify its India portfolio and strengthen route economics by tapping into year round demand and strong cultural ties between the two countries.
According to the airline, these initiatives are projected to increase Indian passenger traffic across its network by up to 12 per cent this year.
Expanded India Network and Fleet Strength
The airline currently operates flights to Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Trivandrum, Madurai and Tiruchirappalli.SriLankan Airlines operates a fleet of 23 aircraft, comprising 10 wide body and 13 narrow body planes.
In addition to scheduled commercial services, the airline also operates chartered flights between India and Sri Lanka, primarily catering to wedding celebrations.
Talks Underway to Enhance Air India Codeshare
SriLankan Airlines is also in discussions with Air India to strengthen their existing partnership. The two carriers currently maintain a codeshare arrangement on select routes.A codeshare partnership allows passengers to travel on a single ticket across different flights operated by partner airlines, offering seamless connectivity.
Beyond India, SriLankan Airlines provides onward connections to the Middle East, the Maldives, the Far East, Europe and Australia through its own network and codeshare services, positioning Colombo as a key transit hub for Indian travellers.
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