Vision Air launches direct winter flights from Moldova to Mattala

Monday, 29 December 2025 04:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Targets 1,500 tourists and estimated forex revenue of $ 2.25 m

Vision Air has launched the operation of nine direct charter flights from Chisinau, the capital of the Republic of Moldova, to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) during the current winter season, in a move expected to bring around 1,500 tourists to Sri Lanka and generate an estimated $ 2.25 million in foreign exchange earnings.

Vision Air’s first flight under this initiative, flight 4V-5363, arrived at MRIA from Chisinau at 1:30 p.m. on 27 December.

The flights will be operated using Boeing 737-800 aircraft of Ukraine-based SkyUp Airlines. Although all airports in Ukraine remain closed due to the ongoing war, the majority of Ukrainian tourists are expected to transit through neighbouring Moldova, with Chisinau serving as the primary departure point.

During the winter season of 2024-25, a total of 15,411 tourists reportedly arrived in Sri Lanka via SkyUp Airlines.

Vision Air noted that MRIA was reopened for international passenger operations on 28 December 2020, when Ukrainian tourists were brought in through Ukraine International Airlines and SkyUp Airlines, after the airport had earlier been repurposed for storage during a period of inactivity.

The company also pointed out that Red Wings Airlines continues to be the single largest contributor to tourist arrivals at Mattala, with 173,143 Russian tourists arriving through 446 direct flights.

The statement further acknowledged the role of international tour operator Join UP in bringing tourists to Sri Lanka, while local ground handling and hospitality services are being facilitated by Delux Holidays. Appreciation was also extended to the Government under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the staff of MRIA for their cooperation in enabling the winter flight program.

Moldova, an Eastern European country with a population of about 2.4 million, gained independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union.