Sri Lanka Pushes to Restore Direct Flights and Boost Russian Tourism

Sri Lanka is actively working to rebuild its air connections with Russia, aiming to revive a tourism sector that has struggled without convenient travel links. Deputy Foreign Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe confirmed the government is in discussions to resume Sri Lankan Airlines flights to Moscow, a service suspended due to insurance complications.

“We’ve started talks to resolve insurance issues. Once fixed, we hope to restart our airline’s direct flights to Moscow as before,” Ranasinghe told reporters. He acknowledged that the lack of seamless air travel has hurt the island nation’s tourism industry, prompting officials to explore multiple solutions.

Beyond restoring its own carrier, Sri Lanka is negotiating with foreign airlines for smoother connections. Ranasinghe revealed talks with Turkish Airlines to offer stopover flights via Istanbul, giving Russian travelers an alternative route. Additionally, charter flights are planned for the upcoming season from Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg.

“We are doing everything possible to expand flight options,” Ranasinghe said, stressing that easier access is key to reviving tourist numbers. The moves signal a concerted push to rekindle a market that once sent tens of thousands of visitors annually to Sri Lanka’s beaches and heritage sites.