Russia’s flag carrier Aeroflot Airlines has recommenced its flight operations to Colombo from Moscow, initially with two services per week.
The first flight (SU284) with 240 passengers arrived yesterday morning at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).
Aeroflot – Russian Airlines will initially operate flights every Friday and Sunday, and it will increase the frequency up to five times a week in the near future, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL) said.
Aeroflot – Russian Airlines is the oldest international airline that operated international flights to Colombo, and it has been operating the Moscow-Colombo route since 1964.
Aeroflot had to stop operations to Colombo in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This route development will boost the tourism industry in Sri Lanka, especially in the post-pandemic period,” AASL added.
AASL said Russia has been one of the most reliable and friendly destinations for Sri Lanka to attract tourists and for many decades, Russian inbound tourism has been showing its great potential as an important source market for the development of the travel and tourism industry in Sri Lanka.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka is steadily becoming one of the emerging popular destinations for Russian tourists.
“Therefore, the recommencement of the Aeroflot Airlines flights to Sri Lanka will immensely contribute to the booming aviation, travel, and tourism industry in Sri Lanka,” AASL added.
(FT)