Boost for tourism as “Beijing Capital Airlines” begins twice weekly flights

Monday, 2 February 2026 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Text and Pix By T.K.G. Kapila

China’s “Capital Airlines” on Saturday began its inaugural flight from Beijing to Colombo giving a fresh boost to tourism.

An Airbus A330 aircraft was deployed for this maiden flight and was welcomed with a water salute upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake. The maiden flight had 170 passengers and 13 crew members.

The airline will operate two flights per week on Tuesday and Saturday.

A large group of distinguished guests, including the Chinese Deputy Ambassador to Sri Lanka Zhu Yanwei, the Head of Katunayake Airport Management Aruna Rajapaksa, and others, were present to welcome the aircraft.

Beijing Capital Airlines is a Chinese carrier based at the Beijing Capital Airport (PEK). It serves over 65 destinations in 12 countries. It is a subsidiary of Hainan Airlines.

Tourist arrivals from China last year grew by 6% to 132,035 and was the fifth largest source market for Sri Lanka