Sri Lanka Unveils New Ambitious Domestic Air Connectivity Plan to Boost Regional Tourism and Economic Growth, Seeking Strategic Investment from Indian Airlines

Published on February 10, 2026

Sri Lanka is launching a new domestic air connectivity scheme inspired by India’s UDAN programme to improve regional travel and unlock tourism potential. The initiative aims to enhance accessibility to both popular and emerging destinations, making it easier for tourists to explore the island. By offering faster and more affordable travel options, the scheme seeks to boost the tourism sector while attracting international airlines, particularly from India, to expand their presence in Sri Lanka. This development promises to contribute to economic growth and regional development in the long term.

Sri Lanka is taking significant steps to enhance its domestic air connectivity by launching a new initiative inspired by India’s successful UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) programme. This initiative aims to improve the country’s regional air links and foster the growth of the tourism sector by encouraging investments from international airlines, including those from India. The move is expected to unlock new tourism opportunities and connect more remote destinations within Sri Lanka, ultimately improving travel accessibility and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The proposed domestic air connectivity scheme seeks to establish a more robust network of regional air services, focusing on destinations outside the major hubs. By doing so, it will enable tourists to explore the cultural, historical, and natural attractions scattered across the island. The scheme intends to make these regions more accessible, benefiting both the tourism industry and the local economy by making it easier for tourists to reach off-the-beaten-path destinations in less time.

At present, Sri Lanka’s domestic aviation network remains underdeveloped. The country’s flagship carrier, SriLankan Airlines, predominantly focuses on international flights, and the domestic market is served by only a handful of aircraft. This limited connectivity restricts the ability of tourists to travel conveniently within the island, creating barriers to exploring the country’s diverse offerings, including beaches, cultural landmarks, and emerging destinations.

Inspired by India’s UDAN programme, which has successfully expanded air connectivity in regional and underserved areas, Sri Lanka hopes to replicate this model and create a similar framework for its domestic sector. The UDAN model, which incentivizes airlines to operate flights on less-profitable routes with government subsidies, has been a key factor in increasing air connectivity within India, making travel more affordable and accessible. Sri Lanka’s domestic air connectivity scheme is expected to reduce operational costs, increase private sector involvement, and enhance the overall accessibility of regional air travel.

The initiative is designed to appeal to private sector investors and airlines by reducing operational barriers, such as high ticket prices, which often deter people from flying. With improved connectivity, passengers will be able to travel between cities and tourist destinations much more quickly and affordably. This is particularly important for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, which has seen a significant rebound in recent years and aims to build on this momentum by making the country more accessible to a wider range of travelers.

India’s role in this initiative could be crucial, as Indian carriers have considerable experience operating regional routes and navigating the challenges of domestic aviation. The growing outbound travel market from India to Sri Lanka further strengthens the partnership. Indian carriers could expand their services within South Asia, capitalizing on the increasing number of Indian tourists visiting Sri Lanka. This could lead to an enhanced tourism flow between the two countries, deepening bilateral ties in aviation and tourism while contributing to the growth of Sri Lanka’s domestic aviation network.

The collaboration with Indian airlines and investors is expected to bring both expertise and resources to the table, helping Sri Lanka overcome the challenges of underdeveloped domestic air connectivity. Indian carriers are already well-versed in operating on regional routes, making them ideal partners to expand Sri Lanka’s domestic network. These airlines could potentially establish new routes between Sri Lankan cities, further integrating the region and promoting tourism.

Additionally, Sri Lanka’s growing appeal as a tourist destination, particularly for Indian travelers, presents an exciting opportunity for Indian airlines to diversify their networks and strengthen their presence in the South Asian market. By increasing domestic connectivity, Sri Lanka would be able to attract a greater number of international visitors who would find it easier to travel within the country, making it a more desirable destination for tourists seeking both cultural and natural experiences.

For Sri Lanka, the implementation of this domestic air connectivity scheme could play a pivotal role in revitalizing the nation’s economy, particularly by boosting regional tourism and supporting local businesses. Tourism remains one of Sri Lanka’s most important economic sectors, and the country has been making efforts to rebuild the industry after facing several challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2019 Easter attacks. A well-established domestic air network would allow tourists to experience more of Sri Lanka’s diverse regions, leading to increased spending and job creation in local communities.

Improved air connectivity could also drive regional development by encouraging investment in lesser-known areas, creating opportunities for local businesses to grow and thrive. The tourism sector’s ripple effect on other industries such as hospitality, retail, and transport could provide a significant boost to the overall economy, supporting long-term growth and stability. The government’s efforts to attract international airlines and investors to participate in the scheme could also help position Sri Lanka as a regional aviation hub, further promoting South Asia’s connectivity.

If successfully implemented, Sri Lanka’s new domestic air connectivity programme could become a model for other countries in the region looking to improve their air transportation networks and leverage aviation to support economic recovery. By enhancing domestic air connectivity, Sri Lanka would not only benefit from increased tourism but also create a more connected and integrated nation, improving the quality of life for both locals and visitors.

Sri Lanka’s ambitious domestic air connectivity initiative has the potential to transform the country’s aviation and tourism sectors. By fostering partnerships with Indian airlines and investors and drawing inspiration from India’s UDAN programme, Sri Lanka can unlock new travel opportunities, promote regional development, and pave the way for sustainable tourism growth. This initiative could become a cornerstone of the country’s long-term economic recovery, ensuring that Sri Lanka remains a top destination in the South Asian region for years to come.