Three More Airlines To Touch in Colombo This Year!

As Sri Lanka’s tourism sector continues on a growth trajectory, three more airlines are planning to connect with Colombo.

China’s Beijing Capital Airlines, Malaysia’s Batik Air, and Australia’s Jetstar are among the carriers planning to launch services to BIA, Katunayake.

Beijing Capital Airlines is scheduled to make its inaugural landing in Colombo on 31 January.

Tourist arrivals from China have been growing steadily, with 125,000 Chinese tourists visiting Sri Lanka in 2025.

Beijing Capital Airlines to operate Colombo Flights

An aviation expert noted that further growth is expected, and this expanding market is a key target for Beijing Capital Airlines.

Australia’s Jetstar Airways is set to begin Colombo operations from August 2026.

Jetstar will take off for the first time from Australia to Sri Lanka in August 25, with the launch of the only direct low-cost service from Melbourne to the South Asian nation’s capital, Colombo.

“Jetstar will become the first Australian airline to operate this route, flying three times a week between Melbourne and Colombo,” the airline added.

It plans to offer more than 100,000 low-fare seats a year on the new route.

The move comes as Australian tourist to Sri Lanka on an upward trend, with 110,000 Australian tourists visiting Sri Lanka in 2025.

In addition to leisure travel, Jetstar is expected to focus on the large Sri Lankan community living in Australia.

This community frequently travels to Sri Lanka to visit parents, relatives, and friends.

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Batik Air is expected to commence operations in late March 2026.

Tourist arrivals from Malaysia stood at 23,000 last year, and the introduction of this new service is expected to help boost those numbers.