Ahmedabad, April 2 FitsAir, a private airline from Sri Lanka, will launch direct flights between Ahmedabad and Colombo starting May 15, offering a three-times-a-week service that is expected to significantly reduce travel time and boost tourist flow from Gujarat to the island nation.
The airline will operate flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, providing the first non-stop air link between Ahmedabad and Colombo.
"With the introduction of direct flights, the journey time will be reduced to just about three hours," said Nalaka Amaratunga, chief executive officer of the Destination Management Sector at Walkers Tours, one of the partners in the direct flight project.
Currently, visitors from Gujarat have to take connecting flights via Mumbai or Chennai, with a total travel time of nine to ten hours.
Addressing a press conference, he said that Gujarat currently accounts for around 25,000 to 30,000 tourists visiting Sri Lanka annually. "With this direct connectivity, we expect the number to double in the coming years," he said.
FitsAir, Sri Lanka's first private international airline, will operate the route as part of a partnership involving City of Dreams Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, and Walkers Tours.
"The service is aimed at tapping the growing outbound travel market from Gujarat, which has emerged as a key source region for Sri Lankan tourism," said Nayana Mawilmada, president - leisure & property, John Keells Holdings, the parent company of Walkers Tours.
According to him, bookings for the flights are being offered through curated travel packages that combine airfare with hotel stays and local experiences.
The airline has also indicated that a portion of tickets will be made available independently through online platforms for travellers who prefer not to opt for bundled hotel packages.
City of Dreams Sri Lanka, located in central Colombo, is being promoted as an integrated destination offering a mix of hospitality, entertainment, and lifestyle facilities, said a release by the organizers.
Visitors travelling on the new route will have accommodation options across multiple properties in Colombo, including those under the Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts portfolio, they said.
Amaratunga said that improved air connectivity is a key factor in increasing tourist arrivals. "This partnership marks an important step in enhancing connectivity between Ahmedabad and Colombo and offering a seamless travel experience," he said.
Flights under the new schedule will depart from Ahmedabad in the early morning and mid-morning slots, with corresponding return services from Colombo, according to the announced timetable.