UL mulls resuming services to European destinations with subsidies from tourism authorities

Sri Lanka, Jan. 23 -- SriLankan Airlines is considering a proposal to resume direct fights to Paris, Rome and Frankfurt, within few months, with subsidies from the country's tourism authorities, to attract more Western European tourists to the island nation.

"We have submitted a proposal from the Tourism Ministry to resume direct flights to Europe and in return. We are willing to provide subsidies for SriLankan Airlines to cover the potential operational losses to these destinations initially," Tourism Promotion State Minister Arundika Fernando revealed.

Speaking to Mirror Business, SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ashok Pathirage confirmed that the national carrier has received a request to resume direct flights to European destinations. Ho...