BUSINESS

FitsAir begins direct flights to Dhaka ,Turkish Airline flights up in SL.

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By: Staff Writer

March 23, Colombo (LNW): FitsAir, Sri Lanka’s low-cost airline, yesterday announced the launch of direct flights connecting Colombo and Dhaka, Bangladesh in April 2024.

It said the move represents a significant milestone in regional aviation, addressing the growing demand for affordable travel options between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

In light of Bangladesh’s rapidly expanding economy, attracting considerable interest from Sri Lankan businesses, Dhaka is emerging as a popular destination. Recognising this trend, FitsAir is committed to providing affordable, on-time, and efficient air connectivity to cater to the needs of this growing market.

FitsAir Executive Director Ammar Kassim said: “The Bangladesh economy is one of the fastest growing in the world, and we’re excited to offer competitive prices for business travellers and visitors alike. We anticipate our non-stop service to Dhaka will stimulate bilateral trade and economic growth.”

The newly added route will initially operate twice weekly, with an anticipated increased frequency in the summer, subject to government approval. FitsAir’s carefully crafted flight schedule allows for immediate connections to Male, Chennai, and Dubai from Dhaka. Additionally, exclusive benefits will be offered to corporate travellers to effectively meet their needs.

Scheduled to commence from 16 April 2024, FitsAir will offer attractive launch fares starting at Rs. 74,600. In addition to the new Dhaka route, FitsAir currently operates direct services to Dubai, Male, and Chennai from its hub in Colombo.

Turkish Airlines announced plans to ramp up its flight frequency from Istanbul to Colombo from four to five flights a week beginning 1 April and six flights per week commencing 14 May.

The additional service will offer passengers more flexibility in travel options, serving rising market demand and enhancing connectivity to and from Colombo via Istanbul.

In a statement, Turkish Airlines revealed the expansion of its services, noting that from 26 October, the flight frequency will escalate to seven flights per week — right on time to cater to the winter tourism season.

The expansion will enhance tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

After a period of 11 years of service to Sri Lanka, Turkish Airlines has ushered in a new era by inaugurating direct flights from Istanbul to Colombo in October 2023. Previously, the airline had a stopover in Male before arriving in Colombo.

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