Sri Lankan Airlines heading to Sydney in 2020

As of next year, you could be flying directly between Sydney and Columbo if SriLankan Airlines makes good on its expansion plans for the Asia-Pacific and Europe.

The airline is in financial turnaround mode and is looking to expand its network. They already fly into Melbourne, so this will be a second route into Australia.

I would greet this news with a degree of caution, as SriLankan Airlines is also talking about adding Ho Chi Minh City, Ahmedabad and Frankfurt are also on their list for consideration.

Stemming its losses

The airline has been lossmaking to the tune of about US$76 million since the bombings in Columbo in April 2020. The turnaround relies on a cost-cutting drive, a bit of refinancing, and some enhanced productivity.

More Plans

They have other plans according to their media release including:

‘The onboard passenger experience is being greatly enhanced, including significant changes to the content and user-friendly aspects of the inflight entertainment system; revamping of the Business Class product and service; improved ranges of meals and beverages; and plans to introduce more comfortable seating in the Business Class cabins of the narrow-body fleet including the NEO aircraft serving the Far East.’

SriLanken Airlines Meda Release

2PAXfly Takeout

Sri Lanka has been on my list of destinations for a while, and one barrier has been the lack of a direct route, even though, the airline does fly out of Melbourne.

The advent of the direct flight between Columbo and Sydney also opens up opportunities to transit Columbo on the way to London, or Malé or Seychelles – which could make for an interesting break?

I look forward to the Sydney-Columbo route being launched in 2020, but I won’t be placing any bets on it.