BIA prepares for strong winter season as passenger volumes near pre-COVID levels

• Expands service from 28 airlines covering 50 destinations spanning Asia Pacific, Middle East, Europe, and Africa
• First three quarters of 2024 mark 6.63 m passenger movements, 41,370 aircraft operations with 20% YoY growth, while posting 22% in aircraft movements and 25% rise in cargo throughput
• Resumption of charter flights to boost winter footfall, with new routes from Jetstar Asia and Centrum Air further enhancing connectivity
• Assures safety and security of airport in line with ICAO standards

The Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Sri Lanka is gearing up for a busy winter season with new and returning airlines offering expanded services to meet increasing travel demand.

“As BIA welcomes the world this winter, passenger and flight services are rapidly approaching pre-COVID levels. Currently, 28 scheduled airlines operate flights to BIA from 50 destinations across 26 countries, spanning Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa,” Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. Marketing and Corporate Communication Head Dr. Sumith De Silva told the Daily FT.

Following a record-breaking 10.88 million passengers in 2018, BIA saw a sharp decline during the pandemic, but is now nearing pre-COVID levels. 

“In the first three quarters of 2024, BIA recorded 6.63 million passenger movements and 41,370 aircraft operations, marking a robust Year-on-Year (YoY) growth of 20% in passenger volumes, 22% in aircraft movements and a 25% rise in cargo throughput,” he said, adding that these trends confirm BIA’s resurgence as a preferred international travel destination.

To support winter demand, he said BIA has launched several seasonal and charter flights, including Enter Air with three weekly flights from Poland, Edelweiss Air beginning weekly flights from Zurich till May 2025, and Azur Air reconnecting five Russian cities to Colombo.

In addition, new routes from Jetstar Asia and Centrum Air will further enhance BIA’s connectivity from Singapore and Uzbekistan. Jetstar’s Singapore’s service, featuring five weekly flights, launches on 21 November.

The scheduled airlines to Sri Lanka include; Aeroflot, Air Arabia, Abu Dhabi, AirAsia Berhad, Air China, Air India, Air Seychelles, Azur Air, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, Edelweiss Air, Emirates, Etihad Airways Fits Air, Fly Dubai, Gulf Air, Indigo Airlines, Jazeera Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Maldivian, Qatar Airways, Salam Air, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Vistara.

This extensive network provides seamless access to key global cities including London, Zurich, Sydney, Paris, Istanbul, Riyadh, Chengdu, Dubai, Narita, Singapore, Incheon, and Kuala Lumpur, positioning BIA as one of the region’s most connected airports.

“This growth reflects BIA’s enhanced connectivity as the airport rebuilds its role as a premier South Asian travel hub,” he pointed out.

Dr. De Silva emphasised BIA’s commitment to security, stating that the airport adheres strictly to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and Sri Lankan Civil Aviation Authority standards. These protocols, he said, boost traveller confidence and support BIA’s reputation as a safe and reliable gateway for international passengers.

“With expanding flight options, comprehensive security measures, passenger convenience, and increasing global reach, BIA is ready to welcome the world to Sri Lanka this winter,” he said.