(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – Sri Lanka yesterday(28) welcomed the first group of tourists to visit the island after reopening its borders that were closed for visitors since March this year due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Ukrainian Budget Carrier SkyUp operated the first charter flight to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) on 28th December 2020 with 180 international tourists from Ukraine, the Airport & Aviation Services of Sri Lanka said.
The Boeing 737-900, flight no PQ555, arrived at MRIA at 1406 hrs. The flight was warmly welcomed with a water salute.
Cultural dancing performances had been organized in collaboration with Sri Lanka Tea Board to welcome and entertain the tourists. The cultural performances were conveyed the legacy of over 150 years Ceylon Tea including Prashanthi.
With the eagerly awaited reopening of borders for international tourists, SkyUp Airlines was the first Airline to carry international tourists to Sri Lanka.
The SkyUp airlines has plans to operate charter flights up to the end of March 2021.
Since March 2020, the international airports in Sri Lanka had been closed for international tourists due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) had made all required arrangements to facilitate the flight operation in compliance with the guidelines of Sri Lanka Health Authorities.
