British Airways does it again; to suspend Colombo flights by March 2015

Thursday, 25 September 2014 00:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

British Airways yesterday announced it would cease operating flights to Colombo by 28 March 2015, cutting short its return to two years after having originally pulled out in 1998. In a statement, British Airways announced changes to its flight operations from Colombo and the Maldives. “British Airways will fly to Colombo and Male until 28 March 2015. Services to Male will recommence for winter 2015, but British Airways will cease to operate flights onwards to Colombo,” the statement added.

BA resumed services to Colombo in March last year. Previously it suspended operations in 1998, just three years since commencement of operations. The UK was once the biggest source market for tourists into Sri Lanka, before losing that status to India a few years ago. Arrivals from the UK were up 5.4% in the first eight months of 2014 to 98,347. The bulk of the demand from UK is met by SriLankan Airlines, which serves 9 flights per week to London.

With SriLankan Airlines recently joining oneworld, customers in Sri Lanka will still be able to enjoy the benefits of British Airways’ extensive network of flights to Europe and North America, connecting on from the direct SriLankan Airlines flight to London Heathrow. British Airways BA’s South Asia Regional Commercial Manager Christopher Fordyce said: “The decision to suspend flights between Colombo and London has been a difficult one to make. We constantly assess all our global routes and take appropriate steps, as needed. The Colombo route is not making a profitable contribution to our business and we are unable to sustain it. British Airways will continue flying between London Gatwick and Male; however, the service will be operational only during the winter schedule to cater to the high leisure travel demand.” British Airways said it is in the process of contacting all affected customers, who will be offered a full refund. The premium airline is also in the process of seeking out solutions to assist as many customers as possible in making alternative arrangements. Customers who have booked through travel agents may contact their agents directly. “British Airways would like to apologise to the customers affected by these changes and would like to thank the airport authorities, local government, tourist organisations and people of Sri Lanka for their support,” the statement from the airline said.