Three more Russian airlines to Mattala

• New operations to commence from March
• 5,000 tourists arrived at MRIA so far this year: AASL 
• Maldivian to commence flights to CIAR

Three more airlines are set to commence flights to the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) from March 2023 onwards, according to the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL). 

Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, AASL Chairman Major General (Retd) G.A. Chandrasiri revealed that two more airlines had been confirmed and were scheduled to commence flights to MRIA from March 2023 onwards. 

Another Russian airline is also expected to provide confirmation to fly to MRIA within the next few days.

Chandrasiri noted that with the arrival of these three airlines, the number of airlines arriving at MRIA would increase to five.

“Currently, the Russian Red Wings Airlines is flying to MRIA. Uzbekistan Airways also commenced flights to MRIA recently and now we will be getting three more airlines from Russia to Mattala.” 

He stated that over 5,000 Russian tourists had arrived in Sri Lanka from 1 January to 7 February and with the addition of these new airlines, the daily capacity would increase by over 300-400.  

Chandrasiri further revealed that the National Airline of the Maldives – Maldivian – was also expected to recommence its international flight operations to the Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana (CIAR) in the near future. 

Furthermore, Alliance Air will also commence flights to the Jaffna International Airport (JIA) from March 2023 onwards and will fly from JIA to CIAR. 

Uzbekistan Airways, the flag carrier airline of Uzbekistan, commenced international flight operations to MRIA on Thursday (9)and is expected to operate weekly flights between Uzbekistan and Mattala every Wednesday.

These recent developments mark a stark change in fortunes for the controversial airport in Mattala, which saw its operations come to a complete standstill in mid 2022 amidst the political instability in the country. 

Source: 3 more Russian airlines to Mattala | The Morning