Russian Aeroflot Airlines will commence direct flights between Russia and Sri Lanka from November 4.

This decision was taken at a meeting between Russian Aeroflot Airlines and Officials of Sri Lanka's Airports and Aviation Services Company in Russia this morning.  This discussion took place at Aeroflot Airlines headquarters in Moscow, Russia.

The Ministry of Tourism has made arrangements to hold discussions with leading airlines around the world in the future with the aim of promoting Sri Lanka as an attractive tourism destination.The talks are being held on the instructions of Minister of Tourism, Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga and this was the very first discussion of the promotion campaign.

Russian Aeroflot Airlines had previously planned to commence flights to Sri Lanka from September 1, but it was postponed indefinitely due to the prevailing situation.  As a result of today's discussions, it was decided to resume flights between Russia and Sri Lanka from November 4.  During the discussions, it was decided to fly from Russia to Sri Lanka twice a week at the initial stage.There was a special discussion on the vaccination program in Sri Lanka and the Officials of Aeroflot Airlines appreciated the measures taken by the Sri Lankan government to vaccinate every citizen of the country. They stated that with the success of the vaccination program in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka could be introduced as a safe and healthier tourist destination in the future.

Moreover, the discussion focused on the health guidelines currently being implemented in the country and the restrictions imposed on the number of people who can board an airplane. The Officials of the Airport and Aviation Services Company of Sri Lanka pointed out that there is no such restriction for tourists.

Sri Lanka reopened the country for tourists on January 21 after the Covid-19 outbreak. And, the Officials of the Airport and Aviation Services Company hope that Russian tourist arrivals could increase further after the launch of direct flights to Sri Lanka from November 4.

Mr.Igor Chernyshiv,  Mr.Ivon G.  Batanov, Mr.Anton P.  Myagkov,Mr.Natalya R. Teimuazova representing  the Aeroflot Airlines and Mr.Rajiv Sooriyarachchi, Vice President, Airport and Aviation Services Ltd, Sri Lanka,Mr. Sunil Gunawardena, Additional Secretary, State Ministry of Aviation and Export Zone Development, and Mr. Nimesh Herath, Consultant Coordinator, Tourism Development Authority of Sri Lanka representing Sri Lanka were  present at the discussion.