Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana Re-commenced Scheduled International Regional Flight Operations After Five Decades

March 27, 2022

Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana (CIAR) re-commenced its scheduled international regional flight operations from CIAR after five decades.

The national carrier of Maldives, Maldivian, launched the international regional flight operations between its main hub, Velana Airport and Colombo International Airport - Ratmalana today. The inaugural flight from Male to Colombo was welcomed by a celebratory water cannon salute upon arrival at CIAR. The passengers were warmly welcomed and presented with gift packs from the Sri Lanka Tea Board followed by a traditional Kandyan dance performance.

Maldivian operates scheduled flights on a Dash-8 aircraft with 50 seats between Sri Lanka and the Maldives three times a week and the frequency will be increased up to five flights from May 2022 onwards.

His Excellency Omar Abdul Razzak – Ambassador to the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency A.M.J Sadiq - Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Maldives, Hon. Namal Rajapaksa - Minister of Youth & Sports and State Minister of Digital Technology and Entrepreneur Development, Hon. D. V. Chanaka - State Minister of Aviation and Development of Export Zones together with Major General (Rtd.) G.A. Chandrasiri, Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, Ms. Deidre De Livera, Director AASL for Domestic & Regional Airports CIAR/JIA /BTIA & CATD, Board of Directors of AASL & senior officials of CAASL, AASL & other stakeholders attended the event.