SriLankan Airlines Expands India Network with New Flights to Ahmedabad — Key Travel News for India and Sri Lanka

Published on February 25, 2026

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SriLankan Airlines has officially announced the launch of new direct flights connecting Colombo, Sri Lanka, with Ahmedabad, India, adding one more major city to its India network. Ahmedabad — often described in travel narratives as India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City following recognition of its historic urban fabric — marks the airline’s tenth Indian destination alongside Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Trivandrum, Madurai and Tiruchirappalli. This expansion reflects India’s status as the carrier’s largest overseas market, accounting for nearly 30% of its global passenger traffic, and aligns with broader efforts to deepen travel and tourism ties between India and Sri Lanka.

Quick Summary

• SriLankan Airlines is set to launch new direct flights between Colombo and Ahmedabad in India.
• Ahmedabad will become the airline’s tenth Indian destination, deepening air connectivity between the two countries.
• India is the largest market for SriLankan Airlines, representing around 30% of its total passenger traffic.
• The new service is expected to support up to a 12% increase in Indian passenger traffic for the airline this year.
• Increased flights aim to boost tourism, business, and cultural travel between India and Sri Lanka.

What Is Changing: New Colombo–Ahmedabad Flights

Subject to regulatory approvals, SriLankan Airlines plans to operate four weekly direct flights between Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport and Ahmedabad in Gujarat. These services are designed to enhance connectivity across a busy travel corridor that sees strong demand from leisure travelers, business visitors, and the Indian diaspora. With Ahmedabad added to the network, SriLankan Airlines will provide wider route options for travelers, improving access from western India to Sri Lanka and onward international connections via its Colombo hub.

Strategic Importance for Travelers

India is SriLankan’s largest overseas market, contributing a significant share of the airline’s overall passenger volume. The airline’s network now spans six of India’s eight major metropolitan hubs, offering greater flexibility and competitive options for travelers flying between the two countries. Passengers from Ahmedabad can now enjoy more direct access to Colombo — a gateway to beaches, heritage sites, wildlife circuits, and other South Asian destinations — as well as seamless connections onward to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Australia through SriLankan’s network and partner codeshare agreements.

Advantages for Travelers

Better Connectivity: The new flights provide more options for travelers in western India to fly directly to Sri Lanka without connecting via other Indian hubs.

Enhanced Schedule Options: With multiple weekly services, passengers have greater flexibility in planning business trips, holidays, or family visits.

Strong Cultural and Tourism Link: Ahmedabad’s recognition as India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City — known for its historic architecture and vibrant culture — adds tourism appeal to the route, encouraging inbound travel from Sri Lanka as well.

Potential Fare Stability: With increased capacity and competition on the India–Sri Lanka corridor, travelers may benefit from better pricing, particularly during peak seasons.

Traveler Considerations and Disadvantages

Regulatory Approval Dependent: The launch timeline is subject to regulatory clearances in both India and Sri Lanka, which could affect service commencement expectations.

Flight Frequency Limits: Initially, the service is slated for four weekly flights; travelers seeking daily connections may still rely on other Indian city options.

Seasonal Demand Variability: Peak travel periods could see high demand on this new service, which may lead to limited seat availability and higher fares unless additional frequencies are added.

Conclusion – What This Means for Travelers

The introduction of direct flights between Ahmedabad and Colombo by SriLankan Airlines is a meaningful enhancement to air travel options for Indians and Sri Lankans alike. It reflects the strong cultural and economic links between the two countries and broadens geographic access, especially for travelers in western India. With Ahmedabad now part of the airline’s India network, passengers can expect improved connectivity, greater scheduling flexibility, and easier access to Sri Lankan destinations and onward international travel options. This expansion also reinforces SriLankan’s role as a key bridge in South Asia’s aviation landscape.