British Airways is set to return to Sri Lanka, with the airline announcing plans to operate three weekly flights between London Gatwick and Colombo from October 23, 2026.
The Colombo service will operate during the winter season, giving travellers a direct connection between the UK and Sri Lanka. The destination offers visitors a combination of picturesque beaches, diverse wildlife, vibrant cultural experiences and a renowned culinary heritage.
Passengers travelling on the route will have three cabin options: World Traveller (Economy), World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) and Club World (Business Class). Return fares are set to start from £620, including taxes and carrier fees.
The return to Colombo forms part of British Airways’ planned network expansion for winter 2026. The airline is also introducing Melbourne in Australia as a new destination, bringing the total number of new destinations announced for the season to two.
British Airways will additionally increase frequencies to several existing long-haul destinations, including Cape Town in South Africa, Haneda in Tokyo, Bridgetown in Barbados, Kingston in Jamaica and San Jose in Costa Rica.
According to the airline, the winter 2026 schedule represents a 9% expansion of its long-haul route network as it continues to provide customers with greater choice.
Russia’s Azur Air to Resume Direct Charter Flights to Sri Lanka
Russian carrier Azur Air, the country’s largest charter airline and a partner of tour operator Anex Tour, is set to resume direct charter flights to Sri Lanka for the Winter 2026/2027 season.
After a one-year break, the airline will restart services on November 2, 2026, significantly expanding its Sri Lankan route network. Flights will be available from eight cities across Russia, including five new departure points.
Azur Air’s return comes as other Russian airlines also expand their services to Sri Lanka. Aeroflot and S7 Airlines have announced flights to the island for the upcoming season, although both carriers will operate services to Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport rather than Mattala.
Flights to Arrive at Mattala
Azur Air will operate all Sri Lankan services using Boeing 767-300 aircraft, with flights arriving at Mattala International Airport in Hambantota.
Located on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Mattala is the country’s second-largest international gateway. Following a recent renovation, the airport’s terminal now features expanded passenger waiting areas and additional check-in counters.
The airport also offers road access to several popular southern and southwestern tourist destinations, including Bentota, Weligama, Hikkaduwa and Galle.
The resumption of Azur Air’s services is expected to provide Russian travellers with an additional direct connection to Sri Lanka during the 2026/2027 winter travel season.
British Airways Set to Resume Colombo Flights with Three Weekly Services
