Thai Airways, the long-standing flight service between Thailand and Sri Lanka which was stalled during the Covid pandemic, is to be resumed after 4 years as decided by Royal Thai Airways, said issuing a statement.  

Accordingly, the first flight is scheduled to arrive in Katunayake from Bangkok, Thailand on 1 April. 

These facts were revealed in a ceremony held at the Colombo Hilton Hotel on the 16 March to mark the resumption of Thai Airline.

Under this flight operation programme, every day a Thai flight will arrive at Katunayake Airport from Bangkok and fly from Katunayake to Bangkok on the same day.

The Sri Lankan representative of Thai Airline, MAC Holdings Private Limited Andre Fernando emphasised that this air service was resumed as a result of the constant discussions held by the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala Silva with the Thai Government and Thai Airlines.

Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva presided over the ceremony and said that the return of the stalled Thai Airline to this beautiful island is welcomed with respect and it is a matter of great joy.

The Minister said that Thailand and Sri Lanka have maintained a friendship since the distant past and they share similarities in many aspects, with Buddhism, culture, trade and agriculture occupying a major place among them.

He also said that Sri Lankans and Thai nationals would like to visit each others' countries as they have very high inter-relationships.

The Minister also added that this airline provided a high quality service before the Covid pandemic and the entire aviation industry suffered a collapse with the Covid pandemic.

The minister stated that as the Minister in charge that he is happy about the return of Thai Airline amidst rebuilding of the collapsed economy of Sri Lanka by the current President Ranil Wickramasinghe.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, Thai Ambassador to Sri Lanka Paitoon Mahapannaporn and a group of representatives of Thai Airways and senior management also participated in this event.