Indigo Airlines, a budget airline from India is tipped to operate direct flights between Chennai and Jaffna later this year.
At present, the airline operates daily flights to Colombo from Chennai and Bangalore. The Sri Lankan Airport Aviation Authority told the Daily News that Palaly airport is being upgraded and the runway is to be extended while other facilities will be given a facelift too. The Palali International Airport in Jaffna is already receiving direct flights from Air India and this would be the second international airline to operate in the homeland.
The announcement comes weeks after India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka made his first visit to Jaffna where he emphasised efforts to increase connectivity between the North-East and India,
Last year in July, Air India airlines completed its 100th flight to the Jaffna International Airport. “Up to date in 2023, the airline has handled approximately 12,000 passengers through the Northern Gateway. Our AASL ground handling team has provided all ground handling services for these flights, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for all passengers,” the AASL said in a statement.
Increasing connectivity between India and North-East has been a focus of the Delhi government despite opposition from the Sri Lankan government. India's vision statement for "Promoting Connectivity, Catalysing Prosperity" includes the "resumption of flights between Jaffna and Chennai have enhanced people-to-people ties and agreed to further expand it to Colombo as well as explore connectivity between Chennai and Trincomalee, Batticaloa and other destinations in Sri Lanka and to encourage and strengthen investment and cooperation in civil aviation, including augmentation of airport infrastructure at Palaly for greater economic benefits to the people.”
