February 2, 2024 | By Anita Jain Shah

In a strategic move to bolster its presence in the Indian aviation market, SriLankan Airlines has officially shifted its Mumbai office to a more expansive space, setting the stage for ambitious expansion plans in 2024. The airline also hosted an exclusive lunch event for its key trade partners in Mumbai to celebrate the occasion.

The relocation signals the airline’s commitment to enhancing its network operations within India and fostering increased tourism between the two nations. As part of its growth strategy, the airline is eyeing a significant expansion in its route network within India, facilitating seamless connectivity and offering an array of services designed to enhance the overall travel experience. The decision to move to a larger office space in Mumbai underscores the airline’s confidence in the potential for increased air traffic between the two countries. Currently, Sri Lankan Airlines operates 95 weekly flights from 9 Indian cities and aims to increase the frequency from these cities before adding a new location on its route network. As a member of the oneworld alliance, SriLankan also offers its passengers connectivity to over 1,000 cities in 160 countries that are served by its oneworld partner airlines.

India as a Feeder Market for SriLankan Airlines

Notably, SriLankan Airlines is not limiting its aspirations to just strengthening ties between India and Sri Lanka. The airline is positioning itself to serve as a key hub for East-bound travel from India, catering to the growing demand for flights to the Far East and Australia. This move aligns with the airline’s vision to become a preferred choice for Indian travellers exploring destinations beyond Sri Lanka.

Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head – Worldwide Sales & Distribution, SriLankan Airlines said, “Our decision to shift to a bigger office space in Mumbai is a strategic move that reflects our commitment to the Indian market. We believe in the immense potential for growth and collaboration between India and Sri Lanka. By expanding our network operations and focusing on providing top-notch services, we aim to contribute to the increased flow of tourists and business travellers between the two nations.”

Despite challenges, SriLankan Airlines is optimistic about the future, with plans to exceed pre-COVID travel numbers in 2024. Back in 2018, approximately 450,000 Indians visited Sri Lanka, a number that saw a dip in 2023, touching almost 320,000. The airline’s commitment to providing enhanced services, improved connectivity, and larger aircraft is expected to attract a surge in Indian travellers, contributing to a rebound in tourism figures.

As the airline takes this bold step towards expansion, it not only seeks to strengthen its position in the competitive Indian aviation sector but also aims to foster greater economic and cultural ties between the two nations. With the new office serving as a launchpad for these ambitious plans, SriLankan Airlines is poised to soar to new heights in 2024, bringing nations closer and making travel dreams a reality.