IndiGo commences Colombo operations today

National, January 20, 2018: In its endeavour to strengthen its growing network, IndiGo, India’s largest and fastest growing carrier today commenced its operations in Colombo, Sri Lanka. With touch-down of 6E-1202 (Chennai-Colombo) on Saturday, January 20th at Bandaranaike International Airport; Colombo became its 8th international and 49th overall destination on IndiGo’s ever growing network.

In an inaugural ceremony held today at Bandaranaike International Airport, the maiden flight was welcomed with the traditional water cannon salute followed by a ribbon cutting. Dignitaries present at the event included Mr. Johanne Jayaratne, Executive Director – Airport and Air Services, Sri Lanka; Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Deputy Director (Air Transport & Economic Regulations) – Civil Aviation Authority, Sri Lanka; Mr. Dushy Jayaweera, Regional Director – Hemas Aviation Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Imtiaz Esufally, Group Director – Hemas Holdings PLC; Capt Ashim Mittra, VP Flight Operations, IndiGo; Mr. Charnel Dsouza, Director - Airport Operations, Western India and Middle East, IndiGo and Mr. Ajay Jasra, Director Corporate Communications, IndiGo amongst others.

Both corporate and leisure passengers travelling to and from Colombo will get the opportunity to experience on-time, affordable and a hassle-free travel experience that IndiGo is synonymous with. These new flights will further consolidate IndiGo’s position as the fastest growing airline in India with over 150 Airbus A320 and three ATR aircraft strong fleet, operating over 1000 daily flights, connecting 49 destinations.

Commenting on the launch, Capt Ashim Mittra, VP Flight Operations, IndiGo said, IndiGo is delighted to commence its new daily services to and from Colombo. These new connections will not only boost corporate and leisure travel but will also contribute to significant growth in cross border trade and commerce. We are hopeful that these new flights will provide affordable and unmatchable travel experience to our passengers across the country and beyond.”

Mr. Malinga Arsakularatne, Managing Director of Hemas Leisure Travel Aviation Group (IndiGo’s GSA) added, We are honoured to partner with IndiGo in strengthening tourism to and fro India. Together, we can create benefits for travellers and shareholders. We are confident that the team at Hemas Aviation would deliver the growth ambitions of the airline.