Middle East conflict: Govt. details airfare relief for stranded passengers in Sri Lanka

Thursday, 5 March 2026 03:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Travellers who cancel their tickets will be entitled to a full refund
Those wishing to reschedule can do so without paying extra fees
Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilake says all airlines have agreed to this arrangement

Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilake

The Civil Aviation Ministry has introduced special concessions for travellers stranded in Sri Lanka following widespread flight disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilake said many passengers had been compelled to postpone or cancel their travel plans after several flights to and from the region were suspended due to security concerns.

Speaking to the media, the Minister said arrangements had been made with airlines to assist affected passengers either to obtain refunds or to rebook their journeys.

“No additional charges will be imposed on stranded passengers. Travellers who cancel their tickets will be entitled to a full refund, while those wishing to reschedule their journeys can do so without paying extra fees. All airlines have agreed to this arrangement,” he said.

The concessions come as multiple flights operating to destinations in the Middle East have been cancelled in recent days, leaving a number of travellers, including those in Sri Lanka, unable to proceed with their scheduled journeys.