Sri Lanka Tourism officials, along with Airport and Aviation officials, welcomed Cathay Pacific Airways’ inaugural flight, CX 611, on February 1, 2024, at Bandaranaike International Airport. The passengers and crew were greeted by officials from the Tourism Information Centre and Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau. Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s largest carrier, resumed flights to Sri Lanka after a hiatus, signaling a positive start for the tourism industry.
The airline operates three times a week using an Airbus 330-300 aircraft. Having served the Sri Lankan market for over 30 years, Cathay Pacific halted operations temporarily in March 2020 due to the pandemic but provided relief by transporting essential supplies, including COVID-19 vaccines. The resumed flight carried 253 passengers who were impressed by the warm welcome and cultural performance organized by Sri Lanka Tourism. Cathay Pacific’s extensive network of around 80 destinations worldwide will benefit Sri Lanka’s tourism sector by attracting more tourists, particularly from Far East countries like China and Hong Kong.
Source: DailyFT
