Sri Lankan Airlines Expands South Indian Network with Chennai Hub to Attract More Travelers
1 month ago
Sri Lankan Airlines Expands South Indian Network with Chennai Hub to Attract More Travelers
Sri Lankan Airlines is strategically sharpening its focus on South India, recognizing the region as a crucial market for driving revenue growth. Given the significant volume of Indian travelers, the airline has shifted its country office from New Delhi to Chennai to strengthen its presence and better serve this high-potential area.
Currently operating 17 to 21 weekly flights from Chennai, Sri Lankan Airlines is planning to further increase this frequency. It is also exploring new routes to additional key Indian cities to attract a broader passenger base and boost tourism-driven revenue.
As part of its regional expansion, the airline is considering extending services to Jaffna, depending on the airport’s ability to accommodate A320 aircraft. Collaboration with the Airport Authority is essential for this expansion, which aims to improve connectivity and foster tourism growth in northern Sri Lanka.
To promote Jaffna as a prime tourist destination, Sri Lankan Airlines launched the “Colours of Jaffna” campaign, which recently won the Gold Award for Marketing-Career at the 2024 Pacific Asia Travel Association Awards. This marks the airline’s first dedicated campaign to spotlight Jaffna’s attractions, including its stunning beaches, ancient forts, vibrant temples, festivals, and rich culinary traditions.
As global tourism rebounds post-pandemic, Sri Lanka has successfully navigated local challenges such as fuel shortages that previously disrupted flights. Despite lingering concerns over safety, the country has maintained its appeal as a secure travel destination. Both the government and local communities are committed to creating a welcoming and safe environment for visitors.
South India continues to be a significant market for Sri Lanka, with monthly visitor arrivals ranging between 30,000 to 40,000. Sri Lankan Airlines is poised to increase these numbers through expanded flight services. Strong cultural ties between the two countries, including connections to the Ramayana, position Sri Lanka as a popular choice for quick getaways or first-time international trips. With its diverse offerings from scenic beaches and wildlife safaris to lively casinos the island caters to a wide range of tourist interests.
The global aviation industry is expected to double in size within the next six years, with India’s sector ranking as the third largest globally. This presents substantial growth opportunities for Sri Lanka’s aviation sector. Colombo’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean makes it a natural transit hub for travelers journeying between India and destinations in Europe and the Americas, further fueling Sri Lankan Airlines’ revenue potential.
With the government holding a 99% stake in the airline, efforts are underway to attract additional investment to support its expansion. Tackling the airline’s existing debt is a priority to entice top-tier investors. A projected investment of $200 to $300 million may be necessary, and the evolving economic landscape will shape future borrowing capacity. The scope of future investments should become clearer once a new government is in place, with further discussions anticipated.
As Sri Lankan Airlines celebrates its 45th anniversary, it reflects on its evolution from its first flight in 1979 with two Boeing 707s to becoming one of South Asia’s premier carriers. Today, the airline operates to 114 destinations in 62 countries, spanning Europe, Australia, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia, maintaining a reputation for reliability and global service excellence.
Source: Aviation Voice