Leading budget carrier IndiGo began daily direct flights to Jaffna, a key city in northern Sri Lanka, marking its second destination in the country after Colombo. This expansion brings IndiGo’s international network to 34 destinations and its total network to 122.
The airline highlighted that this new route will bolster cultural and trade relations between India and Sri Lanka, which are deeply rooted in commerce, infrastructure development, and enhanced air connectivity.
“This short but significant flight is a strategic addition, which is poised to further enhance trade and tourism between India and Sri Lanka. The new daily direct flights from Chennai to Jaffna promise a shorter travel time of just 75 minutes,” said Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo.
The demand for travel between Chennai and Jaffna is evident, with over 21,000 passengers traveling the route in just nine months last year. The new flight from Chennai will depart daily at 13:55, arriving in Jaffna at 15:10, while the return flight will leave Jaffna at 15:55 and arrive in Chennai at 17:10.
IndiGo stated that the new direct service will play a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s tourism revival, providing seamless connectivity and tapping into a vital market.
Jaffna, known for its rich history and vibrant Tamil heritage, offers visitors a chance to explore iconic landmarks such as the Jaffna Fort, a testament to the region’s colonial past, and the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, a significant Hindu temple.
Beyond economic impact, this air link serves as a cultural and social bridge, fostering connections between people, reuniting families, enhancing educational access, and enabling tourists to discover Jaffna’s unique heritage, the airline noted.
Source: IANS
