Ports and Civil Aviation Authority Minister Anura Karunathilake confirmed yesterday (3) that services to destinations including London and Paris have resumed using revised flight paths that bypass the conflict-hit region. However, he noted that the longer routes require higher fuel consumption, leading to temporary cargo restrictions until normal conditions return.
“The safety of passengers remains our priority. We are closely monitoring developments and adjusting operations accordingly,” Karunathilake said following a special meeting convened at the Civil Aviation Ministry to assess the crisis.
The disruption intensified when 57 flights between Bandaranaike International Airport and Middle Eastern destinations were cancelled in a single day. Airport authorities confirmed that 28 departures and 29 arrivals were affected, causing significant inconvenience to passengers. Four additional flights scheduled for today have also been cancelled as a precautionary measure.
In total, 107 arrivals and 98 departures have been grounded since hostilities escalated in the Middle East, officials said.
Civil Aviation Authority Director General Captain Daminda Rambukwella stated that flights operating to and from the Middle East, as well as those transiting through the region to other international destinations, have been temporarily suspended in view of passenger safety. Only a limited number of aircraft were able to pass through affected airspace earlier yesterday, he added.
Minister Karunathilake assured that aviation fuel stocks in Sri Lanka are sufficient for the next 50 days and that both Bandaranaike International Airport and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport will continue operating under close supervision.
He also confirmed that airlines have agreed to provide full refunds for cancelled tickets and to allow rebooking on alternative flights without additional charges.
The Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry said that with much of Middle Eastern airspace still closed, European tourists seeking to return home must coordinate with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and explore alternative airline options.
The Ministry’s Consular Affairs Division told The Daily Morning that travellers bound for Europe could opt for Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines or SriLankan Airlines in order to avoid Middle Eastern transit hubs. Those requiring urgent travel have been advised to contact their respective diplomatic missions for further guidance.
Although limited airspace openings have been reported in Oman, Saudi Arabia and in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, full civil aviation operations across the Middle East have yet to resume.
Despite the aviation turmoil, Minister Karunathilake noted that maritime operations remain unaffected. Several vessels scheduled to arrive at the Colombo and Hambantota Ports have requested docking facilities, and authorities are prepared to provide the necessary support.