October 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s tourism industry received a major winter season boost with the launch of new direct flights by Edelweiss Air, Red Wings Airlines, and Belavia, marking a renewed surge of interest from European and Russian travellers. The inaugural flights, which touched down at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) this week, highlight growing confidence in Sri Lanka’s tourism rebound and its 2025 target of earning US$3 billion in revenue.
At Katunayake, Edelweiss Air resumed its winter operations from Zurich, operating twice weekly flights every Tuesday and Saturday, linking Sri Lanka with Switzerland’s high-spending outbound market. The airline’s return comes as part of Sri Lanka’s broader strategy to deepen European connectivity and attract long-stay travellers seeking tropical destinations during the winter months.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Red Wings Airlines inaugurated its winter service to Mattala, deploying a Boeing 777-200 carrying 402 tourists. The carrier will initially operate weekly flights through March 2026, with the option to increase frequency depending on demand. The flight was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute, while passengers were greeted with Kandyan dance performances and Ceylon Tea gifts, showcasing the island’s cultural warmth.
Adding to the momentum, Belavia, the national carrier of Belarus, also launched its winter operations to MRIA with 277 passengers on an Airbus A330-200. The airline has scheduled one weekly flight for the winter season, signaling a steady rise in Eastern European arrivals.
According to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) data, tourist arrivals as of late October 2025 have surpassed 1.96 million, a 27% increase year-on-year, generating over US$2.15 billion in foreign exchange earnings. Officials expect total arrivals to exceed 2.5 million by year-end, placing the country on track to reach its US$3 billion annual target through a combination of new air routes, extended stays, and higher per-visitor spending.
Europe currently accounts for 38% of total arrivals, led by Germany, the UK, Switzerland, and Russia, while India remains the single largest source market. The resumption of regular European connections is expected to stabilize arrivals during the off-peak months and strengthen tourism activity in southern regions through Mattala airport, which has recently seen a revival in charter operations.
Industry analysts note that Sri Lanka’s strategy to diversify source markets and expand connectivity aligns with its post-crisis recovery plan, though challenges remain in maintaining affordability, infrastructure upgrades, and destination marketing.
The renewed airline operations are expected to significantly enhance the island’s visibility in European markets, positioning Sri Lanka as a premier year-round destination for sun, wellness, and cultural tourism.
