Kuwait Airways resumes direct flights to Colombo after two years of codeshare operations

Tuesday, 28 October 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Text and pix by T.K.G. Kapila

Marking a significant milestone in bilateral aviation ties, Kuwait Airways, one of the oldest international carriers operating to Sri Lanka, officially resumed its direct operations to Colombo yesterday, after two years of successful codeshare operations with SriLankan Airlines.

The national carrier of the State of Kuwait, which first commenced services to Sri Lanka on 15 October 1978, now resumes four weekly flights with the Airbus A320neo aircraft, offering passengers enhanced comfort and seamless connectivity.

The inaugural flight welcoming ceremony was held at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) yesterday, with a symbolic water cannon salute by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd., (AASL). Additionally, passengers were warmly welcomed by a traditional Kandyan dance performance by Sri Lanka Tourism, while Sri Lanka Tea Board presented each visitor with Ceylon Tea gifts.

The event was attended by State of Kuwait Charge d’Affaires Abdullah Ahmad A.M.A. Almuhana, Kuwait Airways Sri Lanka and Maldives Commercial Manager – Passenger and Cargo Sudesh Rupasinghe, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) Chairman

Sunil Jayaratna, CAASL Director-General Capt. Daminda Rabukwella, CAASL Deputy Director-General Rayhan Wanniappa, AASL Head of Airport Management Aruna Rajapaksha, and AASL Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications Dr. Sumith De Silva along with other dignitaries and industry representatives.

State of Kuwait Charge d’Affaires Abdullah Ahmad A.M.A. Almuhana said: “The return of Kuwait Airways to Sri Lanka marks more than just the restart of flights — it symbolises the strengthening of friendship and cooperation between our two nations. This reconnection will bring immense value to trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.”

Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka Chairman Sunil Jayaratna said: “Kuwait Airways has a long and historic relationship with Sri Lanka. We are pleased to see the national carrier of Kuwait once again gracing our skies, reinforcing the deep bilateral ties between our countries.”

Kuwait Airways Sri Lanka and Maldives Commercial Manager – Passenger and Cargo, Sudesh Rupasinghe said: “Kuwait Airways has been an integral part of Sri Lanka’s aviation landscape since 1978. Under the leadership of Kuwait Airways Chairman Captain Abdulmohsen Al-Fagaan, the timely decision to resume direct operations aligns with the growing travel demand between our nations. This relaunch will boost tourism, employment, investment, and multicultural opportunities, while providing passengers with convenient onward connections to over 18 European destinations and New York, US.”

He further extended appreciation to the Civil Aviation Authority, Airport and Ground Handling teams, and SriLankan Airlines for their continued cooperation and support.

The event concluded with a ceremonial cake-cutting and the exchange of mementos, symbolising a new chapter in the long-standing partnership between Kuwait Airways and Sri Lanka’s aviation industry.