February, 26, 2026
SriLankan Airlines unveiled strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity between India and Sri Lanka while further strengthening the time-honoured bond between the two nations at a special press conference in Delhi, India, alongside SATTE 2026, South Asia’s leading travel and tourism exhibition. The event also spotlighted new destination launches and provided a platform to engage with Indian media, central to increasing awareness in this vital market.
SriLankan has long made it a mission to bring India closer to Sri Lanka and the world. With 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. SriLankan proudly counts India as its largest market, accounting for nearly 30% of the airline’s total passenger traffic and 23% of overall visitor arrivals to the island.
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. Soon joining this network as SriLankan’s tenth Indian destination will be Ahmedabad. The airline has consistently focused on serving both major metropolitan centres and emerging markets across India, extending its reach to underserved cities.
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% this year.
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 India and the Middle East, the Maldives, the Far East, Europe and Australia through its own and codeshare services.
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.
About 60% of bookings by Indian passengers are made through indirect channels, including traditional trade partners and Online Travel Agents, while the remainder are made directly through SriLankan Airlines’ channels. As it expands its digital capabilities, SriLankan Airlines continues to nurture its trade partnerships, serving travellers across both channels pan India. For more information and bookings visit www.srilankan.com
Photo - L–R: Fawzan Fareid, Regional Manager India, Bangladesh & Nepal; Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Commercial; Deepal Perera, Manager Corporate Communications; and Dammika Kulatunge, Manager Northern India; from SriLankan Airlines at the special press conference in Delhi, India, alongside SATTE 2026, sharing the airline’s strategic initiatives with Indian media.
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