The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) held a high-level discussion with senior representatives of Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost carrier, regarding the potential resumption of air services between Kuwait City and Colombo, with possible onward connectivity to India.
As part of its operational assessment, Jazeera Airways is evaluating the possibility of operating scheduled services to Colombo while exploring opportunities to extend connectivity onward to India.
Such an initiative would support the growing travel demand among the Sri Lankan and Indian diaspora communities in the Gulf region, said the Kuwait-based carrier.
The proposed collaboration is also expected to facilitate the safe and timely return of Kuwaiti citizens and residents currently in Sri Lanka or India, thereby supporting passenger mobility during the present period of regional operational disruption.
The meeting, which was attended by Jazeera Airways CEO Barathan Pasupathi and CAASL Director General Captain Daminda Rambukwella, focused on regulatory facilitation, operational considerations, and strengthening bilateral aviation co-operation in response to the current operational environment affecting aviation activities in Kuwait and the broader region.
During the meeting, Capt. Rambukwella conveyed the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to supporting international carriers that contribute to maintaining and enhancing air connectivity with Sri Lanka while ensuring full compliance with international aviation safety, security, and regulatory standards.
"CAASL warmly welcomes the continued engagement of Jazeera Airways in strengthening air connectivity between Kuwait and Sri Lanka. We reaffirm CAASL’s commitment to facilitating the necessary regulatory processes, consistent with international civil aviation standards and recommended practices," he stated.
CAASL remains ready to extend its fullest cooperation to support the safe, secure, and efficient resumption of operations between Kuwait and Colombo for the benefit of passengers, the Sri Lankan diaspora, and the broader regional aviation network, he added.
Pasupathi expressed appreciation for the proactive engagement of the Sri Lankan authorities and noted the airline’s interest in restoring services between Kuwait and Colombo, with potential extensions to India to further enhance connectivity within the region.
"We appreciate the openness and prompt engagement of the Sri Lankan authorities in supporting the restoration of services between Kuwait and Colombo, with the possibility of extending connectivity to India. We look forward to making a formal announcement once the necessary regulatory processes are completed," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
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