Sri Lanka’s FitsAir begins direct flights between Colombo
and Lahore
Sri Lankan low-cost carrier FitsAir has officially entered Pakistan’s
aviation market with the launch of direct flights between Colombo and Lahore,
marking a new milestone in air connectivity between the two countries.
The airline’s inaugural flight, 8D-981, landed
at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport on Saturday evening at 8:35pm,
carrying 134 passengers. The arrival marked FitsAir’s first commercial
operation in Pakistan and is expected to expand travel options for passengers
between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
According to the Pakistan Airports Authority, the inaugural landing was welcomed with a ceremonial reception at the airport. Arriving passengers were greeted with flowers, and a cake-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the airline’s entry into the local market.
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The return service, flight 8D-982, departed
from Lahore later the same night at 9:40pm with 66 passengers onboard,
indicating early demand for the new route.
Aviation observers say the launch could
significantly improve regional connectivity by facilitating travel for
tourists, business travelers, and members of the diaspora, while also encouraging
greater tourism exchange and commercial cooperation between the two countries.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka share long-standing
diplomatic and economic ties. Pakistan was among the first countries to
recognize Sri Lanka after its independence, and both nations continue to
cooperate in areas such as trade, defense, and regional diplomacy.
Both countries are also members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, where they collaborate on initiatives aimed at regional stability and economic development.
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Trade relations are further supported by a bilateral free trade agreement signed in 2005, covering goods such as textiles, tea, rice, and pharmaceuticals. However, analysts note that overall trade volumes still remain below their potential.
Source: MinuteMirror