SriLankan Airlines Expands India Network with Ahmedabad Launch and Increased Flights in 2026

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New Delhi, February 24, 2026 – SriLankan Airlines is strengthening its position in the Indian aviation market with expanded services and the addition of a new destination, signaling a major push to deepen connectivity between India and Sri Lanka in 2026. The airline, which already operates nearly 90 weekly flights between the two countries, plans to further increase frequencies and broaden its network as part of a strategic expansion aimed at meeting rising travel demand.

India remains the airline’s largest and most important market, accounting for nearly 30 percent of total passenger traffic and approximately 23 percent of all visitor arrivals to Sri Lanka. With outbound travel from India continuing to grow rapidly, SriLankan Airlines is positioning itself as a key connector for Indian travelers heading to Sri Lanka and onward to global destinations.

Ahmedabad to Become SriLankan’s Tenth Indian Destination

As part of its 2026 expansion plans, SriLankan Airlines will introduce services to Ahmedabad, making it the airline’s tenth destination in India. The addition will strengthen the carrier’s footprint across major economic centers and growing secondary cities.

Currently, SriLankan Airlines operates flights to nine Indian cities:

• Chennai
• Mumbai
• Delhi
• Hyderabad
• Bengaluru
• Kochi
• Trivandrum
• Madurai
• Tiruchirappalli

The upcoming Ahmedabad route will allow the airline to serve six of India’s eight major metropolitan hubs, improving route efficiency and supporting year-round travel demand driven by business links, tourism, and strong cultural ties between the two countries.

The airline expects these initiatives to increase Indian passenger traffic across its network by up to 12 percent during 2026.

Strengthening Colombo’s Role as a Transit Hub

A key component of SriLankan Airlines’ India strategy is its hub operations in Colombo. Around 30 percent of Indian passengers currently use Colombo as a transit point for international travel.

From Colombo, travelers can connect to destinations across:

• The Middle East
• The Maldives
• Southeast Asia
• The Far East
• Europe
• Australia

This network makes SriLankan Airlines an attractive option not only for direct India–Sri Lanka travel but also for passengers seeking convenient one-stop connections to international destinations.

The airline says it is well-positioned to serve a wide range of travel purposes, including leisure holidays, corporate travel, trade visits, family reunions, and destination weddings.

Supporting Sri Lanka’s Tourism Growth

SriLankan Airlines continues to work closely with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority to support the country’s tourism objectives. Indian travelers represent one of the largest visitor groups to Sri Lanka, making airline connectivity essential for tourism growth.

Promotional campaigns are focused on showcasing Sri Lanka as a diverse travel destination for Indian tourists. Key attractions highlighted include:

• Cultural festivals
• Local cuisine
• Wellness experiences
• Beaches and coastal resorts
• Wildlife safaris
• Historic landmarks
• Spiritual tourism sites

One of the airline’s recent promotional initiatives is the Ramayana Trail campaign, which highlights locations in Sri Lanka linked to the ancient Indian epic Ramayana. The campaign uses storytelling to encourage Indian travelers to explore sites associated with the legendary journey of Lord Rama.

Expanding Sales Channels Across India

SriLankan Airlines continues to balance traditional travel trade partnerships with growing digital sales channels.

Approximately 60 percent of Indian bookings are currently made through indirect channels such as travel agents and online travel agencies, while the remaining 40 percent are made through direct airline channels.

As digital adoption increases, the airline is investing in technology and online platforms while maintaining strong relationships with travel partners across India. This dual-channel approach allows the airline to reach travelers in both major cities and smaller markets.

A Global Airline with Strong Regional Focus

Founded in 1979, SriLankan Airlines operates from its hub at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo and serves a global network of about 120 destinations in 61 countries through direct flights and codeshare partnerships.

The airline operates an all-Airbus fleet consisting of A330-200, A330-300, A320, and A321 aircraft, supporting both regional and long-haul routes. It is also a member of the oneworld alliance, giving passengers access to a wider global network through partner airlines.

Despite its global reach, the airline’s strategy clearly emphasizes South Asia—particularly India—as a key driver of future growth.

A Strategic Year for India–Sri Lanka Connectivity

SriLankan Airlines’ expansion reflects broader trends in regional travel, where rising middle-class incomes and easier international access are fueling cross-border tourism and business mobility.

With increased flight frequencies, the launch of Ahmedabad services, and improved transit options through Colombo, the airline is positioning itself to capture a larger share of India’s fast-growing outbound travel market.

As travel demand between India and Sri Lanka continues to rise, SriLankan Airlines’ 2026 expansion marks a significant step toward building a stronger air bridge between the two nations. By expanding routes and improving connectivity, the airline is not only boosting tourism and trade but also reinforcing a long-standing cultural relationship—one flight at a time.