Sri Lanka is adding significant airlift for the 2026–27 winter season, with three carriers launching or resuming services that expand access from Russia and western Europe. The new routes come as the island continues its recovery in international arrivals and coincide with peak season for beach and wildlife tourism on the south and east coasts.
Azur Air: Russia to Mattala from November 2
Russian charter carrier Azur Air began operations on 2 November 2026, connecting Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) in Hambantota with eight departure points across Russia. The carrier operates wide-body aircraft and is primarily targeting package-holiday travellers heading for the southern coast resorts around Tangalle, Mirissa and Weligama. If you are arriving via Mattala, note that the airport is around 230 km from Colombo; arranging transport onward to the capital or the west-coast beaches requires separate planning.
S7 Airlines: Novosibirsk to Colombo from 20 December
S7 Airlines (formerly Siberia Airlines) will launch a new Novosibirsk–Colombo service on 20 December 2026, operating twice weekly into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). This fills a gap in direct coverage from Russia’s third-largest city — previously Siberian travellers needed connections through Moscow or Bangkok. Twice-weekly frequency means flexible routing for independent travellers, though seats typically sell out quickly once ski season in Russia ends.
French Bee: Paris Orly via the Maldives from December
French long-haul low-cost carrier French Bee will add Sri Lanka to its network in December 2026, flying from Paris Orly (ORY) with a stop in the Maldives. The routing suits travellers combining both destinations — popular with French and French-speaking European visitors — and brings a low-cost option on the Europe–Sri Lanka corridor that has historically been dominated by SriLankan Airlines, Emirates and Qatar Airways.
What this means for travellers
The new routes arrive ahead of peak dry season on the west and south coasts (roughly November to April). Competition typically suppresses fares on established routes as airlines fight for the same passengers. If you are booking flights from Europe, it is worth comparing French Bee against existing options once December schedules go on sale. Our flights to Sri Lanka guide covers all current routes and carriers.
For first-time visitors, all three airlines arrive into the same two airports — Bandaranaike (Colombo) for S7 and French Bee, and Mattala for Azur Air. We have detailed arrival logistics, visa on arrival, and onward transport in our Colombo city guide and in the Sri Lanka visa guide.
We will update this page as schedules are confirmed and tickets go on sale.