Strengthening its connectivity in South India with three new destinations, SriLankan Airlines is looking at the possibility of adding more cities in India given the potential for growth in the market.

Hyderabad is one of three South Indian cities that SriLankan is commencing operations to from this week, along with the port city of Visakhapatnam on July 8 and Coimbatore on July 16.

With these three additions, SriLankan will operate 126 flights per week to 14 cities in India, with existing services to Chennai, Tiruchi, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, New Delhi, Gaya, Madurai, Varanasi, Kochi, Bengaluruand Kolkata. Registering tourist inflow of over 3,80,000 last year from India, a growth of over 20 per cent, the airline expects the momentum to continue as more people visit Sri Lanka for leisure travel and business.

Launching direct connectivity to Hyderabad from Colombo, the airline offers a four-times-a-week service. It sees scope to offer onward connectivity to other destinations as well.

Siva Ramachandran, SriLankan Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, said, “Hyderabad will be an important addition to our global network. This new service reflects SriLankan’s continuous commitment in consolidating the Asian market and offering travellers seamless travel experiences with great comfort.”

“We are the second largest airliner to operate into India after Emirates and connect to 14 destinations,” he told BusinessLine.

Asked about the potential of Ramayana tourism circuit attracting Indian tourists, he said, “This has been one of the attractions. Further strengthening of the infrastructure will add to tourist interest.”

Travellers to and from Hyderabad can now enjoy SriLankan hospitality onboard with its ultra-modern fleet of Airbus aircraft packed with in-flight entertainment systems and superior comforts. The airliner has deployed brand new A320neo and A321neo aircraft on its routes to South India.

The launch of new services to three new destinations in South India will boost connectivity for the business community and enhance opportunities for rapid and seamless transport of all types of cargo throughout SriLankan’s network.