Jaffna International Airport (JIA) receives daily international flights since June 16 via Alliance Air from Chennai creating aviation history by becoming the second International Airport in Sri Lanka to have daily international flights after the Bandaranaike International Airport.
The Mattala Rajapaksa International airport has three flights per week from Red Wings Russia while Lanka’s first international airport Ratmalana airport does not operate scheduled international flights.
Alliance Air commenced operations connecting Chennai with Jaffna on December 15, 2022 operating four flights per week. Alliance Air operates a ATR72 aircraft, which can comfortably carry 70 passengers.
“Due to the growing popularity and demand for flights to JIA, they have decided to upgrade the frequency of their operations to a daily flight service,” an official from Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka Limited.
“This upgrade is a testament to the increasing passenger demand and the airport’s significance in connecting Jaffna to Chennai and beyond.”
All ground handling and airport services are managed by the AASL staff.
Recognising the potential of Jaffna International Airport, two domestic airlines stepped in last month to offer scheduled domestic flights for travellers.
David Pieris Aviation operates four weekly flights from Colombo International Airport Ratmalana to JIA, taking off every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
Cinnamon Air also provides domestic scheduled flights from Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, to JIA, with flights available on every Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
“These domestic airlines have made travel to Jaffna more accessible and convenient for both visitors and locals alike,” an official from Airport Aviation said. With a total of 15 flights per week operated by three airlines, Jaffna International Airport has become an important hub in Sri Lanka, connecting Jaffna with the rest of the country and facilitating international travel to and from Chennai.
As JIA continues to grow, it promises to be a vital catalyst for economic development and connectivity in the region, opening new doors of opportunity for Jaffna and its people. JIA will also help to boost tourism, business, and cultural exchanges.”
Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala De Silva said that domestic airfares would come down with the insurance tax being lowered soon.