SriLankan Airlines has strengthened its regional connectivity through a new interline agreement with Island Aviation Services, operating as Maldivian (Q2), giving passengers greater access to 17 popular domestic destinations across the Maldives.
The partnership allows passengers to book itineraries involving both airlines under a single electronic ticket, creating a more seamless travel experience from origin to destination. The arrangement applies to inbound and outbound journeys via Velana International Airport in Malé and Gan International Airport on Gan Island.
By linking SriLankan Airlines’ international network with Maldivian’s extensive domestic operations, the partnership significantly expands access to both popular and more remote destinations across the Maldivian archipelago. The enhanced connectivity is expected to benefit leisure and business travellers seeking convenient transfers between international and domestic services.
SriLankan Airlines currently operates three daily flights to Velana International Airport in Malé and two weekly services to Gan International Airport on Gan Island. These services provide passengers with convenient connections between the Maldives and the airline’s wider international network.
The agreement also creates new opportunities for travel agents, tour operators, corporate travel planners and individual travellers. With more streamlined booking options and improved connectivity, the partnership is expected to support increased passenger traffic and strengthen commercial opportunities on both the Malé and Gan routes.
Commenting on the partnership, SriLankan Airlines Commercial Head Dimuthu Tennakoon said, “Our collaboration with Maldivian represents an important milestone in expanding our regional footprint and enhancing travel convenience for our customers. By integrating our global network with Maldivian’s domestic connectivity, we are unlocking greater access across the Maldives while creating new opportunities for growth across key commercial segments.”
SriLankan Airlines Maldives Country Manager Nayomi Tennakoon added, “This interline partnership with Maldivian opens access to SriLankan Airlines’ global network through both Malé and Gan Island, extending further to numerous domestic destinations. Travellers can now experience the true diversity of the Maldivian archipelago through a single, seamless itinerary.”
The new partnership forms part of SriLankan Airlines’ ongoing efforts to strengthen its regional network and develop strategic partnerships that deliver greater convenience, connectivity and value for passengers travelling across the region.
Sri Lanka Tourism Promoted to Turkish Travel Trade at Strategic Ankara Event
Aitken Spence Travels, in collaboration with Air Arabia and the Sri Lanka Embassy in Ankara, recently hosted a destination presentation for 50 leading travel agents in Turkey, strengthening Sri Lanka’s presence in one of the region’s emerging inbound tourism markets.
The event provided a valuable platform to showcase Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offerings while fostering stronger relationships with key travel trade partners in the Turkish market. The initiative also highlighted the importance of industry collaboration in creating greater awareness and demand for Sri Lanka as a preferred holiday destination.
The presentation was led by Nalin Jayasundera, Managing Director of Aitken Spence Travels, and Kanishka Mahagedara, Assistant Vice President – Middle East & South Asia. They shared insights into Sri Lanka’s tourism potential and the opportunities available within the growing Turkish travel market.
The presentations highlighted the island’s diverse appeal, ranging from golden beaches and mist-covered mountains to ancient cultural landmarks, wildlife safaris, wellness experiences and authentic local encounters. Travel professionals were also introduced to the breadth of experiences available across the country, enabling them to develop more personalised and compelling itineraries for travellers with different interests and preferences.
The event further demonstrated the value of strategic partnerships in strengthening Sri Lanka’s international tourism presence. Through its collaboration with Air Arabia and the Sri Lanka Embassy in Ankara, Aitken Spence Travels is supporting stronger trade engagement and destination promotion within the Turkish market.
Improved air connectivity, combined with targeted destination marketing and closer engagement with travel industry partners, is expected to create new opportunities to attract Turkish travellers to Sri Lanka. Through initiatives such as this, Aitken Spence Travels continues to contribute to the promotion of Sri Lanka as a diverse, accessible and compelling destination for international visitors.
SriLankan Airlines Strengthens Connectivity with New Maldivian Interline Partnership
