Direct flights begin between Russia’s Samara and Mattala

Saturday, 2 November 2024 04:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Russian Federation Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Levan S. Dzhagaryan – Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe

By Divya Thotawatte

In a move set to strengthen relations and enhance tourism between the two countries, Russia’s Red Wings Airlines has officially launched direct flights between Samara and Mattala.

This new route between Samara’s Kurumoch Airport and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) is expected to significantly increase tourist traffic to Sri Lanka, particularly from Russia’s federal constituent entities. The service will run throughout the winter season, until April next year, offering six flights per week and once per day.

The launch of new air service as well as increase in tourist arrivals were revealed by Russian Federation Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Levan S. Dzhagaryan during his remarks at the Gem Sri Lanka 2025 launch earlier this week.

“I would like to inform you that the number of Russians who are coming here on a regular basis will increase. Not only are they coming from Moscow to Colombo, but yesterday we launched direct flights with Mattala Airport from different cities of the Russian Federation. A lot of Russians will come here, they will enjoy their presence in Sri Lanka, and they will have the possibility to purchase more and more precious stones and jewellery,” the Ambassador said.

According to MRIA officials, over 200 tourists are expected to arrive daily. This could amount to over 36,000 visitors by the end of April next year, strengthening Russia’s position as one of Sri Lanka’s key source markets for tourism. The influx of Russian tourists, a key demographic of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, is expected to support local businesses, especially the gem industry of Sri Lanka.

Year to date Sri Lanka has attracted 134,609 tourists from the Russian Federation, which has become the third largest source market behind India and United Kingdom.

Red Wings Airlines is among Russia’s largest airlines and is primarily based in Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport. MRIA, located in Hambantota, is an important hub that also attracts tourists to the Southern and Eastern parts of the country.