Following a four-year break, Thai Airways celebrated its return with the triumphant touchdown of its inaugural flight TG 307 at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake at 11:55 p.m. on Sunday. The resumption of this flight route signifies a significant milestone in revitalizing tourism between Thailand and Sri Lanka. Departing from Bangkok, Thailand, the flight welcomed approximately 150 foreign tourists, including enthusiastic Thai nationals eager to immerse themselves in Sri Lanka’s beauty and culture.
Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL) announced that flights between Thailand and Sri Lanka are now operating daily, heralding a new era of connectivity between the two nations. Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva personally greeted the flight and its passengers at the arrival terminal. In honor of the occasion, AASL arranged a special cultural dance performance, followed by Minister de Silva and Thai Airways Chief Pilot Captain Ophad Sankrung jointly cutting a cake to commemorate the aircraft’s arrival. AASL Chairman Eng. Athula Galketiya and other officials also attended, emphasizing the significance of the moment. Minister de Silva, addressing the gathering, highlighted the positive trend in Sri Lanka’s tourism in 2024, noting the arrival of over 600,000 tourists in the first quarter. He expressed confidence that Thai Airways’ daily flights would stimulate further growth in tourist arrivals. The Minister proposed the potential for reduced airfare to attract more Sri Lankan travelers to Thailand, aiming to strengthen bilateral tourism ties while promoting cultural exchange and economic cooperation.
MAC Holdings Private Limited. is appointed as the General Sales Agent (GSA) representing Thai Airways in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Thai Airways operates flights to various destinations across Europe, Australia, Asia, and within Thailand. AASL expressed its delight in welcoming Thai Airways back to its main gateway.