• Discussions underway with airlines from key tourist markets
• Talks with Russian airlines ongoing; Japan next

Sri Lanka has begun discussions with several airlines from key tourist markets as it seeks to attract new carriers ahead of the upcoming winter season.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku said that the ministry was engaging with airlines from several major tourist markets on the possibility of commencing operations to Sri Lanka during the upcoming winter season.

“We have commenced discussions with several Russian airlines on the possibility of launching operations to Sri Lanka. We will also begin discussions with Japanese airlines this month,” he said.

The Deputy Minister identified Air Japan as the Japanese carrier, noting that while discussions with the airline had yet to commence, Sri Lanka had expressed its interest to the carrier.

Meanwhile, he also told The Sunday Morning Business last week that he would travel to Australia that week to begin discussions with three airlines to explore the possibility of commencing flights to Sri Lanka. 

Kodithuwakku said that the ministry was hopeful that at least one of these airlines would decide to commence operations. 

The winter season represents the peak period for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. According to data published by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the country welcomed more than 815,000 tourists during the peak winter months of December 2025 to February 2026. 

Accordingly, Sri Lanka recorded 258,928 arrivals in December 2025, followed by 277,327 in January 2026 and 279,328 in February 2026.

During this period, India, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and Germany consistently ranked as Sri Lanka’s leading source markets, with China also featuring prominently.