Kazakhstan-based SCAT Airlines is reportedly planning to launch charter flights to Sri Lanka during the upcoming winter season, with discussions currently underway regarding the proposed operations.
The airline has previously operated charter services between Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), with flights being operated in March 2023.
The proposed return of SCAT Airlines would further strengthen air connectivity between Kazakhstan and Sri Lanka, while potentially supporting the island’s tourism sector during the upcoming winter travel season.
Electric Shuttle Service Proposed to Protect Horton Plains Environment
Authorities have proposed introducing an electric vehicle (EV) shuttle service within Horton Plains National Park as part of efforts to reduce vehicle emissions, carbon footprints and noise pollution in the environmentally sensitive area.
The proposal was discussed during a special field observation tour and progress review meeting held at Horton Plains on August 29, chaired by Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody.
Under the proposed system, dedicated parking facilities would be established near the park entrances, while visitors would be transported into the park using electric shuttle vehicles.
The initiative is expected to minimise the environmental impact and disturbance to wildlife caused by conventional vehicles, while providing visitors with a quieter and more environmentally friendly experience.
Authorities believe the proposed system could contribute to protecting Horton Plains’ sensitive ecosystem while promoting more sustainable tourism practices.
Horton Plains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a unique and fragile ecosystem that is particularly vulnerable to human activity and environmental disturbances.
The proposed EV shuttle service forms part of a broader programme aimed at modernising infrastructure and developing a more sustainable eco-tourism model for the national park.
Kazakhstan’s SCAT Airlines Set to Launch Flights to Sri Lanka
