Sri Lanka Aviation

**n863gt** · 03-09-2025, 04:15 PM

Originally posted by Serendib

Kuwait Airways to resume Colombo flights in October

3 September 2025 12:32 pm Views - 542 0 Bookmark

KUWAIT - Kuwait Airways announced that it will resume commercial flights to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, starting October 26. The national carrier will operate four weekly flights on Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. In a press statement, the airline said Colombo remains an important tourist destination for its passengers, adding that the decision to relaunch flights reflects the company’s commitment to meeting customer demand and offering a wide range of global travel options. Kuwait Airways reaffirmed its keenness to expand its network by introducing destinations that cater to the diverse needs of travelers, providing them with more choices and enhanced connectivity. Established in 1953 under the name Kuwait National Airways Limited, the company began operations in March 1954. The Kuwaiti government acquired full ownership of the airline in 1962, making it the country’s national carrier.

https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-...ber/108-318394

which aircraft are they going to use? A21/20N?

**n863gt** · 03-09-2025, 04:20 PM

Originally posted by banuthev

Can see 4 UL aircraft are grounded incl ANE. AUH termination probably due to shortage of aircraft? just to note UL increasing CMB-BKK flights from 14 weekly to 18 weekly only from 15-Dec.

Possibly for maintenance?

ABL since 26-Aug
ALO since 30-Aug
ALR since 31-Aug

ALO last operated on 31/08. really needs some paintwork done to it though.
when will ANE get engines though? you really dont want to have planes sitting for like 1.5 years on the ground.

**banuthev** · 03-09-2025, 06:55 PM

Originally posted by n863gt

which aircraft are they going to use? A21/20N?

Great news KU finally announced the resumption to CMB after hiatus of 4 years.

Flight schedule shows the resumption date is October 27. A320neo will be deployed to CMB with frequency 4 weekly and reservation yet to be opened. Wonder what made KU's absence at CMB for this long?

KWI-CMB - KU361 - A320NEO - 00:25 - 08:20 - MO.TH
KWI-CMB - KU363 - A320NEO - 17:50 - 01:45+1 - TH.FR

CMB-KWI - KU362 - A320NEO - 02:45 - 06:20 - FRI.SA
CMB-KWI - KU364 - A320NEO - 09:20 - 12:55 - MO.TH

**banuthev** · 04-09-2025, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by banuthev

Great news KU finally announced the resumption to CMB after hiatus of 4 years.

Flight schedule shows the resumption date is October 27. A320neo will be deployed to CMB with frequency 4 weekly and reservation yet to be opened. Wonder what made KU's absence at CMB for this long?

KWI-CMB - KU361 - A320NEO - 00:25 - 08:20 - MO.TH
KWI-CMB - KU363 - A320NEO - 17:50 - 01:45+1 - TH.FR

CMB-KWI - KU362 - A320NEO - 02:45 - 06:20 - FRI.SA
CMB-KWI - KU364 - A320NEO - 09:20 - 12:55 - MO.TH

Good news Reservation also now open for KU nonstop flights between KWI and CMB ! I really wonder why KU did the announcement on CMB resumption on short notice.

KU will be competing with Jazzeera (currently 7 weekly) and SriLankan (currently 7 weekly) in the KWI-CMB-KWI route.
Do you think KU in the KWI-CMB-KWI route would affect the frequency of Jazzeera and SriLankan? I wish KU make daily flights to CMB near time in the future.

Attached Files

KU CMB booking.jpg (91.6 KB, 110 views)

**MAW2000** · 06-09-2025, 09:42 AM

Originally posted by banuthev

Colombo Airport Schedule Flight Information - September 2025

Fitsair is reducing CMB-DXB flights from 9 to 7 weekly in Sep25;
Fitsair is increasing CMB-KUL flights from 2 to 4 weekly from Sep25;
AirAsia is reducing KUL-CMB flights from 13 to 12 weekly in Sep25;
Cathay Pacific is increasing HKG-CMB flights from 5 to 7 weekly from Sep25;
Jazeera Airways is reducing KWI-CMB flights from 13 to 7 weekly from Sep25;
SriLankan Airlines is cancelling CMB-AUH 7 weekly flights from Sep25;
SriLankan Airlines is cancelling CMB-CDG (UL563/4) 3 weekly flights;
SriLankan Airlines is cancelling CMB-FRA (UL553/4) 3 weekly flights;
SriLankan Airlines is resuming CMB-CDG-FRA-CMB (UL501) 3 weekly flights in Sep25;
Arkia resumes TLV-CMB route with once a week flight onboard A332 in Sep25;

A/L	DEST	VIA	FLTS PER WEEK IN AUG 2025	FLTS PER WEEK IN SEP 2025	FREQ VARIATION
3L	AUH	---	5	5	0
6E	BLR	---	14	14	0
6E	BOM	---	7	7	0
6E	HYD	---	6	6	0
6E	MAA	---	21	21	0
8D	DAC	---	7	7	0
8D	DXB	---	9	7	-2
8D	KUL	---	2	4	2
8D	MLE	---	9	9	0
AI	BOM	---	7	7	0
AI	DEL	---	14	14	0
AI	MAA	---	7	7	0
AK	KUL	---	13	12	-1
CA	TFU	---	4	4	0
CX	HKG	---	5	7	2
EK	DXB	---	21	21	0
EK	DXB	MLE	7	7	0
EY	AUH	---	27	27	0
FD	DMK	---	7	7	0
FZ	DXB	---	21	21	0
FZ	DXB	MLE	7	7	0
G9	SHJ	---	18	18	0
GF	BAH	MLE	7	7	0
HM	SEZ	---	2	2	0
IZ	TLV	---	0	1	1
J9	KWI	---	13	7	-6
MH	KUL	---	7	7	0
MU	KMG	---	4	4	0
MU	PVG	---	7	7	0
OQ	CKG	---	3	3	0
OQ	MLE	---	3	3	0
OV	MCT	---	5	5	0
QR	DOH	---	35	35	0
SQ	SIN	---	7	7	0
SU	SVO	---	0	0	0
TG	BKK	---	7	7	0
TK	IST	---	9	9	0
UL	AUH	---	7	0	-7
UL	BKK	---	14	14	0
UL	BLR	---	10	10	0
UL	BOM	---	14	14	0
UL	CAN	---	4	4	0
UL	CDG	---	3	0	-3
UL	CGK	---	7	7	0
UL	COK	---	7	7	0
UL	DAC	---	7	7	0
UL	DEL	---	14	14	0
UL	DMM	---	7	7	0
UL	DOH	---	7	7	0
UL	DXB	---	11	11	0
UL	FRA	---	3	0	-3
UL	FRA	CDG	0	3	3
UL	GAN	---	2	2	0
UL	HYD	---	4	4	0
UL	ICN	---	2	2	0
UL	IXM	---	6	6	0
UL	KHI	---	4	4	0
UL	KTM	---	4	4	0
UL	KUL	---	14	14	0
UL	KWI	---	7	7	0
UL	LHE	---	4	4	0
UL	LHR	---	7	7	0
UL	MAA	---	21	21	0
UL	MEL	---	7	7	0
UL	MLE	---	21	21	0
UL	NRT	---	4	4	0
UL	RUH	---	7	7	0
UL	SIN	---	14	14	0
UL	SYD	---	4	4	0
UL	TRV	---	4	4	0
UL	TRZ	---	8	8	0

Hi Banu,

Small changes need to be done,
8D/ EXV Fits Air flight schedule :

Daily Flights to DXB, No any frequency reduction, do not consider one time flights to DXB as 8D825/6 for 9 weekly flights, therefore only Daily flights to DXB ,
9 weekly Flights to MLE as 8D921/2 , 923/4 some flights will be cancelled based on internal decisions.
KUL flight frequency is 4 weekly, it will be reduced down to 3 : Day 3,5,7 only.
DAC remains same, will be increased up to 9 weekly by end of this year, not confirmed.
BKK will be the next route probably.

**MAW2000** · 06-09-2025, 09:44 AM

Hi All,

4R-ANE is in the UL 320 hangar, having a C check.

**banuthev** · 09-09-2025, 09:36 AM

Originally posted by MAW2000

Hi All,

4R-ANE is in the UL 320 hangar, having a C check.

Good news! When ANE and ABL expected to return to revenue service?

Can see UL also have plans to increase HYD flights from Dec25.

**Serendib** · 09-09-2025, 04:08 PM

Historic first direct charter between Bhutan and Sri Lanka takes flight

In a ground-breaking moment for regional aviation and tourism, the first-ever direct chartered flight between Bhutan and Sri Lanka has been officially launched.

Operated by Bhutan’s national carrier Royal Bhutan Airlines (Drukair) and chartered by Bhutan-based Routes and Journeys, this historic milestone promises to open new opportunities for cross-cultural travel and tourism development.

The inaugural flights are scheduled to operate from Paro to Colombo on 19 December 2025, followed by the historic maiden Colombo–Paro direct sector on 20 December 2025, establishing a new air bridge between the two nations.

dding a visionary outlook, Routes and Journeys Vice President Hilal A. Kolu said: “This historic charter is only the beginning. Beyond charters, we aspire to see a scheduled flight between Bhutan and Sri Lanka in the near future. Such a development would allow both countries to market twin-country tourism products, leveraging the large numbers of international tourists visiting each destination. With time, we hope to encourage Drukair to work closely with SriLankan Airlines towards a potential code-share partnership.”

This landmark initiative marks a new chapter of collaboration between Bhutan and Sri Lanka, with the promise of boosting cultural exchange, tourism flows, and bilateral ties.

Historic first direct charter between Bhutan and Sri Lanka takes flight | Daily FT

https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Historic-first-direct-charter-between-Bhutan-and-Sri-Lanka-takes-flight/44-781325

In a ground-breaking moment for regional aviation and tourism, the first-ever direct chartered flight between Bhutan and Sri Lanka has been officially launched. ..

**Serendib** · 09-09-2025, 04:12 PM

Belarus' Belavia eyes Thailand, Sri Lanka, Viet Nam ops

https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/157842-belarus-belavia-eyes-thailand-sri-lanka-viet-nam-ops

Discover more news on Belavia at ch-aviation, the leading aviation news and data provider.

**Serendib** · 09-09-2025, 06:46 PM

SriLankan is in talks with Vietnam Airlines and Saudi Air

09 Sep 2025 | By Nethmi Rajawasam

The airline is expanding partnerships to meet growing demand from Asia’s middle class and address aircraft shortages
The carrier is in talks with Vietnam Airlines and Saudi Air to enhance connectivity and resolve its capacity issues

The airline is expanding partnerships to meet growing demand from Asia’s middle class and address aircraft shortages
The carrier is in talks with Vietnam Airlines and Saudi Air to enhance connectivity and resolve its capacity issues

SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, is to increase its code-share agreements within the Asian region, in response to global trade volatility and a growing Asian middle class segment, SriLankan Airlines Sri Lanka and Indian Ocean Regional Manager Indunil Wijekoon said at the Sri Lanka Aviation Forum, held recently.

“When it comes to development of the network- us being one of the smallest airlines in the region have to leverage all of our partnerships opportunities. One World is one,” Wijekoon said, in response to a question on the importance of expanding connectivity and partnerships within the Asian region.

“Currently we have about 17 code-share agreements, and of that, six of the code-share agreements are with Asian carriers; starting from Malaysian, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Asia Air. So that’s the kind of focus we have.”

Around 70% of SriLankan Airline’s capacity is deployed in the Asian markets when assessing the carrier's total frequency for a year.

“We can pull more, only if we have more aircrafts in our hands. We are eager to go to China, which we have postponed for next year. We need to get into Korea. There are a few more locations in India we are looking at. These are on our wishlist,” Wijekoon added.

Wijekoon also said that the carrier is looking to resolve its aircraft capacity issues by looking towards partnerships with other airlines in the region.

“For the stopgap, with the aircraft shortage, we are looking to partner with other airlines in the region. Currently we are in talks with Vietnam Airlines and Saudi Air.”

SriLankan boosts Asian code-share agreements

https://www.themorning.lk/articles/CZwDzcTpWyWWsPTJAVzP

SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, is to increase its code-share agreements within the Asian region

SriLankan Airlines has also begun a financial survey for a Kozhikode service.

Read more at: https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news...outes-f272sxir

**Randula** · 09-09-2025, 08:21 PM

Any updates on 2 X ex Air Belgium 🇧🇪 A330-900 aircraft’s? Will those aircrafts due to join UL?

**banuthev** · 10-09-2025, 06:58 AM

Originally posted by Serendib

SriLankan is in talks with Vietnam Airlines and Saudi Air

09 Sep 2025 | By Nethmi Rajawasam

The airline is expanding partnerships to meet growing demand from Asia’s middle class and address aircraft shortages
The carrier is in talks with Vietnam Airlines and Saudi Air to enhance connectivity and resolve its capacity issues

.....

“For the stopgap, with the aircraft shortage, we are looking to partner with other airlines in the region. Currently we are in talks with Vietnam Airlines and Saudi Air.”

SriLankan boosts Asian code-share agreements

https://www.themorning.lk/articles/CZwDzcTpWyWWsPTJAVzP

SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, is to increase its code-share agreements within the Asian region

SriLankan Airlines has also begun a financial survey for a Kozhikode service.

Read more at: https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news...outes-f272sxir

So that means Saudia and Vietnam Airlines will fly direct flights to CMB?

**ULlove** · 12-09-2025, 10:46 AM

Originally posted by banuthev

So that means Saudia and Vietnam Airlines will fly direct flights to CMB?

Looks to me like more codeshares. VN via BKK,KUL,SIN and Saudia on the Non stops and via DXB.

We already have agreements with Etihad, Gulf Air and Qatar. Why is UL not using these agreements fully I don't understand... We can easily connect more cities via AUH and DOH on EY/QR

**Serendib** · 12-09-2025, 08:20 PM

According to skyliners

Airbus A330 -343
1037
4R-ALU
SriLankan Airlines
feried 12sep25
NAP-ISL, VP-reg, for paint prior delivery ex VP-CRP

Attached Files

Screenshot_20250912_202442_Chrome.jpg (89.9 KB, 92 views)

**Haleef** · 13-09-2025, 02:44 AM

Originally posted by Serendib

According to skyliners

Airbus A330 -343
1037
4R-ALU
SriLankan Airlines
feried 12sep25
NAP-ISL, VP-reg, for paint prior delivery ex VP-CRP

Actually, it is true. It has had the oxygen modules and engines done fixed. It is back in play for UL once again.

Sri Lanka Aviation

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