Sri Lanka is set to regain additional direct international air links during the 2026-2027 winter season, with British Airways and Russia's Azur Air preparing services to the island.
British Airways
British Airways has announced that it will launch a new seasonal service between London Gatwick and Colombo on October 23, 2026.
The airline says the route will operate three times per week during the winter season.
British Airways describes Colombo as a new winter route in its 2026 network expansion.
The service marks the return of British Airways-operated direct Sri Lanka services after an absence of approximately 11 years.
Azur Air
Russian charter carrier Azur Air is also preparing to return to Sri Lanka for the 2026-2027 winter season after a one-year break.
Current published schedules indicate that its charter programme is expected to restart from November 2, with services from several Russian cities.
The flights are planned to operate using Boeing 767-300 aircraft and serve Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.
Published schedules list services from eight Russian cities, although individual start dates and frequencies are described as preliminary and may change.
Tourism significance
The return and expansion of direct international services can improve access to Sri Lanka from important tourism source markets.
However, scheduled future services remain subject to normal airline operational and schedule changes.
The British Airways service has been announced directly by the airline.
Azur Air's programme should be described as a planned charter programme based on currently published schedules, rather than as flights that have already commenced.