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Khiri Travel opens Manila office

MANILA, 5 August 2026: Khiri Travel has opened its second office in the Philippines, in Manila’s Escolta Street heritage district. 

The new Khiri Manila office becomes the DMC’s 20th in Southeast Asia.

The Khiri Travel Manila team at the 28 July office opening ceremony. Reverend Father Jesus Malit, SSS, led the blessing.

The move follows the opening of Khiri’s first office in the Philippines, in Cebu, in September 2024. The new Manila office is located in the 1928 art-deco-inspired Perez-Samanillo Building, now called the First United Building. 

A blessing ceremony for the new office was held on 28 July and was attended by Khiri Travel Manila staff, led by their General Manager, Nadi Win. Khiri Travel CEO and Founder Willem Niemeijer and parent company YAANA Ventures’ Chief Financial Officer, Mark Remijan, also attended.

Nadi said Khiri’s new Manila office would facilitate tourism growth particularly in the Manila and Luzon regions of the country.

“There are major improvements at Manila international airport where most of Khiri’s guests enter and leave the destination,” she said. “With our stronger presence in the capital, we will be able to support our partners and travellers better, strengthen coordination with hotels, guides and transport providers.”

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, tourism generated USD 38.1 billion for the Philippine economy in 2024. Tourism accounted for 8.1% of GDP in 2025. The country attracted 5.94 million foreign tourist arrivals last year, down from the peak of 8.26 million in 2019.

 Khiri Travel Vice President — Commercial, Richard Ludwig, said: “Opening our Manila office demonstrates our commitment to becoming the best DMC in the Philippines. By investing in our local team and presence, we can give our partners the confidence and support they need to grow their business here.”

(Source: Khiri Travel)

Thomas Cook weathers headwinds

MUMBAI, 5 August 2026: Thomas Cook India Limited Group delivered a resilient performance for Q1 FY27* with Financial Services & Leisure Hospitality registering growth, while Travel Services held steady despite strong headwinds.

Consolidated results were subdued largely due to the impact of the West Asia conflict on the group’s GCC-based subsidiaries.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited Managing Director & CEO, Mahesh Iyer.

Financial Services

Revenue from Operations increased by 6% y-o-y for Q1 FY27; retail turnover grew by 8% y-o-y.

EBIT grew by 8% y-o-y, with EBIT margins at 45.3%.

Leisure Hospitality (Sterling Holidays & Nature Trails)

Revenue from Operations grew by 19% y-o-y in Q1 FY27

EBIT grew by 28% for Q1 FY27 & maintained with EBIT margins at 32.4% for Q1 FY27

Travel Services

Revenue from Operations from Thomas Cook, SOTC and TCI remained steady in Q1 FY27.

Consolidated Total Income for Q1 FY27 stood at INR21,530 million, down by 12%.

Consolidated PBT for Q1 FY27 stood at INR885 million, down by 21%.

Excluding the GCC-based subsidiaries (DEI & Desert Adventures), the group’s Consolidated results recorded an 8% increase in EBIT for Q1 FY27.

The group navigated the difficult period with a combination of timely repricing to manage input cost escalations, partner renegotiations, and prudent cost discipline.

The group continues to maintain a strong financial position, with cash and short-term investments at INR26,488 million as of 30 June 2026, up from INR26,162 million as of 31 March 2026.

Commenting on the results, Thomas Cook (India) Limited Managing Director & CEO, Mahesh Iyer said: “A highly volatile operating environment characterised the first quarter of FY27. The impact was particularly severe on our GCC-based subsidiaries — Digital Imaging (DEI) & Desert Adventures, which continue to be affected by the ongoing conflict in the region. 

The group delivered a resilient performance for Q1 FY27 despite the challenging environment, with both Financial Services & Leisure Hospitality registering growth. At the same time, Thomas Cook, SOTC and TCI held steady despite strong headwinds in Travel Services.

The group’s global operations remain strong, as reflected in our 8% EBIT growth, excluding the GCC-based subsidiaries affected by the conflict. 

While the operating environment remains dynamic, we are cautiously optimistic about the outlook for the remainder of the year. Our focus remains on prudent financial management, driving operational excellence through technology and innovation, and strengthening our customer focus to deliver sustainable growth and create long-term value for all our stakeholders.” 

Destination Management Services (DMS) Network

India DMS: Revenue from operations grew by 0.2% for Q1 FY27 despite cancellations due to the Israel-Iran War.

Overseas Destination Management Services

Revenue declined by 33% y-o-y in Q1 FY27, primarily due to the continued impact of geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East, which significantly affected Desert Adventures. Performance was further impacted by softer US inbound tourism, which affected Allied T Pro. In contrast, stable performance at Asian Trails and continued growth across the Private Safaris businesses in East and Southern Africa provided a partial offset.

Asia Pacific – Asian Trails: Revenue remained broadly stable, supported by strong growth in the China operations and improved contributions from Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore, despite continued geopolitical uncertainties affecting certain regional markets.

USA – Allied T Pro: Performance was impacted by continued softness in US inbound tourism amid weaker overseas visitor arrivals and geopolitical uncertainties, as well as the absence of large one-off MICE events in the current period.

Middle East – Desert Adventures: The quarter’s results were materially impacted by geopolitical developments in the Middle East, exerting sustained pressure on travel demand. The business maintained a strong focus on cost optimisation while preserving operational readiness to support the anticipated recovery in demand.

Private Safaris

Southern Africa: Revenue grew by 17% y-o-y, supported by resilient inbound travel demand and improved margins through strategic upselling initiatives and supplier negotiations, despite elevated airfares and airline capacity constraints.

East Africa: Revenue grew by 4% y-o-y, supported by sustained demand from key source markets, including the USA, Europe and India, while improved margins contributed to overall performance.

*Thomas Cook India follows the Indian April–March fiscal cycle: Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27): 1 April 2026 – 31 March 2027.

(Source: TCIL Group)

Vietjet reports strong H1 2026 results

SINGAPORE, 5 August 2026: Vietjet Aviation has reported strong financial and operating results for the second quarter and first half of 2026, supported by resilient travel demand and continued international expansion. 

The airline is also investing in more than 600 next-generation aircraft, one of the largest order books in the Asia-Pacific region. Vietjet is also developing an integrated aviation ecosystem spanning passenger transport, ground handling, air freight, training, engineering, financial services and technology.

Photo credit: Vietjet.

In the second quarter of 2026, Vietjet recorded separate revenue of VND25.542 trillion (SGD1.25 billion) and consolidated revenue of VND30.499 trillion (SGD1.49 billion), representing year-on-year increases of 44% and 71%, respectively. Separate and consolidated after-tax profit stood at VND204 billion ( SGD10 million) and VND349 billion (SGD17 million), respectively.

For the first six months of 2026, Vietjet recorded separate revenue of VND45.030 trillion (SGD2.20 billion) and consolidated revenue of VND51.536 trillion (SGD2.52 billion), representing year-on-year increases of 26% and 44%, respectively. The results fulfilled 58.5% and 59.4% of the respective full-year targets.

Separate and consolidated after-tax profit for H1 2026 reached VND1.126 trillion (SGD55 million) and VND1.372 trillion (SGD67 million), respectively, achieving 55.9% and 64.5% of the respective full-year targets.

As of 30 June 2026, Vietjet’s total assets stood at VND149.093 trillion (SGD7.28 billion). Its net debt-to-equity ratio was maintained at 2.37 times, while the liquidity ratio was 1.36 times, remaining within safe operating levels for the aviation industry.

Strong international expansion

Vietjet operated nearly 33,000 flights and carried more than 6.2 million passengers in Q2/2026. For the first six months, the airline operated 72,000 flights and transported more than 13.4 million passengers, while total cargo volume reached nearly 41,000 tonnes.

The airline currently operates 213 routes, comprising 46 Vietnam domestic and 167 international services. From Singapore, Vietjet operates direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and Phu Quoc, with a new Nha Trang–Singapore service scheduled to commence on 11 December 2026. 

During the first half of the year, Vietjet announced new international routes connecting Vietnam with China, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic, further expanding its presence across Asia and Europe.

The expanding network is strengthening trade, investment and tourism links between Vietnam and international markets while supporting Vietjet’s long-term global growth strategy.

Vietjet Thailand accelerated its network expansion and improved operational efficiency with its modern Boeing 737-8 fleet, while Vietjet Qazaqstan delivered positive network performance, supporting connectivity and economic development in Central Asia.

Investment in a major next-generation aircraft order 

Vietjet continues to invest in an order book of more than 600 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, one of the largest in the Asia-Pacific region, to support its international expansion and global network development towards 2030.

Earlier this year, Vietjet finalised agreements with Pratt & Whitney for GTF engines to power 44 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft and arranged financing for 12 Boeing 737-8 aircraft.

At the Singapore Airshow 2026, Vietjet and its partners announced the launch of the Asia-Pacific Aviation Financial Centre, an initiative designed to attract leading financial institutions and aviation companies to Vietnam and support the country’s ambition to become a regional aviation hub.

Vietjet is also integrating artificial intelligence into its operations and management through partnerships with international solution providers, including OpenAirlines and Satair, to optimise fuel consumption, improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

Building aviation talent for long-term growth

Vietjet partnered with Aviation Australia and F Air flight school while continuing its role as an IATA-certified training partner. In the first half of 2026, Vietjet Aviation Academy conducted 9,662 courses for more than 99,000 trainee enrollments, including pilots, cabin crew, engineers, flight dispatchers and other aviation professionals.

According to Brand Finance, Vietjet’s brand value reached USD906 million (SGD1.17 billion) as of May 2026, reflecting its growing international position.

During the first half of 2026, Vietjet was recognised as among the World’s Safest Airlines by AirlineRatings. It was also named one of the “Best Companies to Work for in Asia”, listed among Vietnam’s Top 50 Listed Companies, and recognised by Cirium as the most emissions-efficient airline for intra-Southeast Asia operations.

Vietjet’s H1 2026 performance reinforces its transformation from a new-generation airline into an integrated aviation group with an extensive international network, an order book of more than 600 aircraft and an ecosystem spanning passenger and freight transport, ground handling, training, MRO, aviation finance and technology. This foundation supports revenue diversification, operational efficiency, sustainable growth and shareholder value while contributing to Vietnam’s development as a regional and global aviation hub.

(Source: Vietjet Aviation)

Thai AirAsia gains IOSA certification

BANGKOK, 5 August 2026: Thai AirAsia (FD) officially became an IOSA-registered operator on 11 June 2026, raising its safety standards to new heights. 

Awarded by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) under the prestigious IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) programme, this milestone cements the airline’s commitment to globally recognised safety management benchmarks.

The successful registration follows a rigorous audit process that covers all aspects of operations, reflecting the world-class safety protocols the airline has consistently upheld. 

Photo credit: Thai AirAsia.

Asia Aviation Public Company Limited (AAV) and Thai AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Phairat Pornpathananangoon stated: “Achieving the IOSA registration is a testament to the sheer dedication and collaborative spirit of all our team members across every department, who strictly adhere to and build upon our robust operational standards. It reinforces that safety is never just an obligation—it is our core corporate culture and the absolute highest priority in every single flight and procedure.

“Passing this globally benchmarked audit ensures our guests can fly with complete peace of mind. This achievement perfectly complements our other world-class service accolades, including being named Skytrax’s World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for 16 consecutive years and our consistently top-ranked on-time performance. We will continue to drive forward to deliver the best and safest journeys for everyone.” 

The IOSA auditing process is uncompromisingly strict and conducted by independent audit organisations. As IATA transitions toward a risk-based audit system in line with its latest standards, the comprehensive assessment evaluated Thai AirAsia across eight core operational domains. These include Corporate Organisation and Management Systems (ORG), Flight Operations (FLT), Operational Control and Flight Dispatch (DSP), Aircraft Engineering and Maintenance (MNT), Cabin Operations (CAB), Ground Handling Operations (GRH), Cargo Operations (CGO), and Security Management (SEC). 

Thai AirAsia has successfully passed the initial audit conducted by officially registered independent auditors. Guests and partners can verify Thai AirAsia’s official registration status directly via the IATA online registry at ic.iata.org/registry/iosa, or find more details at www.iata.org.

About IOSA 
The IOSA certificate is widely recognised as the ultimate global benchmark for Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders, designed to assess an airline’s operational management and safety control systems. Established by IATA in 2003, it has stood as the definitive global standard for over two decades. IATA does not solely determine the strict criteria used in these audits; they are collaboratively developed with the world’s leading aviation regulatory bodies, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This ensures that the audit guidelines align perfectly with international best practices used to regulate airlines in regions with the world’s most stringent safety requirements.

(Source: Thai AirAsia)

Asian Trails: Tech innovation with a human touch

BANGKOK, 4 August 2026: As Asian Trails accelerates its digital transformation, Group Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Sushil Mankar has spent his first year leading the modernisation of the company’s technology infrastructure and practices.

An Indian national, Sushil joined Asian Trails in 2025 with a wealth of international experience and more than a decade at Thomas Cook India, where he rose through senior management to become Senior Vice President, IT Applications.

Photo credit: Asian Trails. “With a dedicated tech team, we are in the position to bring everyone together and ensure we are working consistently across the group, says Sushil Mankar (centre, front row).

 During that time, he worked closely with Asian Trails, gaining first-hand knowledge of the company’s culture, values and people. This experience provided an ideal foundation for his appointment as Group CTO in 2025.

For a DMC operating across 10 countries, each with unique challenges, Sushil believes one of Asian Trails’ greatest strengths is its technology team working behind the scenes to keep everyone connected.

He said: “Each destination has its own way of doing business. With a dedicated tech team, we are in the position to bring everyone together and ensure we are working consistently across the group.”

By working closely with colleagues throughout the region, the tech team helps simplify processes and ensure every office has access to the same tools and support, thereby improving efficiency and enabling Asian Trails to focus on what it does best — creating exceptional travel experiences.

An important focus during his first year has been strengthening the existing cybersecurity systems and policies. As data has become one of the world’s most valuable assets, more systems and services have moved online, exposing organisations to growing risks from cybercrime, fraud and attempts to steal sensitive information.

He said: “We are developing our existing security policies across the group. Previously, security measures were in place in different pockets across our units, but we are now moving towards a more centralised approach.

“This means our security governance, protective software and policies designed to safeguard our systems will all be managed at a group level, ensuring a consistent approach across Asian Trails.

“A stronger cybersecurity culture is essential to protecting not only company systems but also the trust that clients and partners place in Asian Trails every day.”

Technology alone is not enough. Sushil highlighted that employee awareness is equally critical, with regular training sessions held to help staff recognise potential threats such as phishing and online fraud.

While sustainability is embedded in Asian Trails’ DNA, with a directive to promote more sustainable products and services, Sushil said his immediate focus, and that of the technology team, is on strengthening the company’s digital foundations, creating the platform for technology to support broader environmental initiatives in the future.

He said: “As the company continues its digital transformation, initiatives such as reducing paper-based processes, expanding digital workflows and improving operational efficiency have the potential to complement the company’s wider sustainability strategy.

“For now, however, the emphasis is on building a strong technological foundation that will enable future advances in both business performance and responsible operations.”

Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be one of the travel industry’s biggest talking points, but for Asian Trails it is already a practical business tool. Under Sushil’s leadership, the company has embarked on a significant AI programme, investing in several pilot projects designed to improve operational efficiency and enhance the service it delivers to clients and partners. This is a work in progress.

The focus is on real-world applications that reduce repetitive manual tasks, shorten response times and enable teams to manage increasing volumes of enquiries, bookings and administrative processes more effectively.

He said that AI will not replace the personalised service for which Asian Trails is renowned. Instead, the company is adopting a ‘human in the loop’ approach, ensuring that every AI-generated recommendation or action is reviewed and overseen by experienced staff.

Photo credit: Asian Trails.

Looking ahead, Sushil sees AI as a tool that will empower employees rather than replace them. By handling routine, time-consuming tasks, AI will free teams to focus on what they do best – building relationships, creating exceptional travel experiences and providing the expert local knowledge that has long been the hallmark of Asian Trails.

He is already focusing on the company’s next stage of digital transformation. Among the initiatives on the horizon are the development of a dedicated mobile application and the digitisation of the extensive portfolio of brochures and travel products.

For more information on Asian Trails, visit: Asian Trails

(Source: Your Stories — Asian Trails)

Amadeus reports H1 2026 results

SINGAPORE, 4 August 2026: Amadeus, a leading technology provider for the travel industry, delivered solid revenue and profit growth in the first half of 2026, despite a challenging operating environment and disruptions to global air traffic arising from the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.

Photo credit: Amadeus. Amadeus delivers resilient H1 2026 performance despite challenging operating environment.

Highlights for the first half of 2026 (relative to H1 2025 — constant currency)

Group revenue increased 2.3%, to EUR3,334.9 million, up 5.1%2.

Operating income grew 0.6%, to EUR943.2 million.

Adjusted EBIT1 amounted to EUR1,011.5 million, increasing 4.9%2.

Diluted EPS3 increased 1%. Adjusted diluted EPS1 grew 7.3%2.

Free cash flow amounted to EUR472.2 million, increasing 0.8%. 

Net financial debt was EUR2,577.5 million at 30 June 2026 (1.0 times last-twelve-month EBITDA4).

Air IT Solutions segment delivered an 8.7% revenue expansion.

Hospitality and Other Solutions (HOS) revenue increased by 9.2%.

In Airline Distribution, revenue grew 1.1% in H1 2026.

Amadeus opened 2026 with solid growth and profitability. From March, the geopolitical situation in the Middle East has been significantly impacting global air traffic, with IATA announcing negative growth in April and May, the first time in 15 years (excluding the Covid period). 

Amadeus reports that the geopolitical situation has moderated its growth outlook, in line with IATA global air traffic expectations. 

Amadeus President & CEO Luis Maroto commented: “Amadeus delivered solid revenue and profit growth in the first half, while maintaining sustained commercial momentum across our businesses. Despite softening in volumes from March amid the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, both customer demand for our solutions and our commercial pipeline remained strong. The recent slowdown in air traffic expectations has had a limited impact on our outlook, highlighting the breadth and diversification of our business across customers, segments and geographies.”

For more information about operating and financial performance during the first half of 2026, visit https://amadeus.com/en/investors.

(Source: Amadeus)

Steps for Impact 2027 forward march

BANGKOK, 4 August 2026: YAANA Ventures and the Khiri Reach Foundation have announced Saturday, 30 January 2027, as the date for the Steps for Impact 2027 charity walkathon. 

The new pan-Asian annual fundraiser will support grassroots projects that improve lives, protect nature, and inspire positive change.

Steps for Impact 2027 will be an open and inclusive charitable event where travel-related organisations and individuals make a positive impact across Asia.

The travel industry is being invited to join in.

Eleven fundraising events in eight countries will generate funds via a series of 5-km walks, sponsorships, corporate or individual donations, and contributions of travel products for an online silent auction.

All funds raised will be used by the Khiri Reach Foundation to support vetted conservation and community projects in Asia.

Steps for Impact 2027 is the modern brand evolution of previous walkathon and bikathon charity events organised by YAANA Ventures in 2017, 2019, 2024 and 2026.

“Over the last few years, charity actions on behalf of Khiri Reach have grown bigger and more ambitious,” said YAANA Ventures and Khiri Travel CEO and co-founder Willem Niemeijer. “Steps for Impact 2027 represents the coalescence of our past and future charity commitments into a new industry-inclusive annual fundraiser”.

Niemeijer invites travel industry suppliers, travel organisations, and corporate bodies that want to get involved in Steps for Impact 2027 to contact YAANA Ventures. Companies, organisations and individuals can walk, donate or join the auction.

Organisations can choose an official sponsorship package, sponsor a team of walkers, or partake in the auction of travel products, either as a donor or bidder.

Travel entities are now being invited to donate tourism products for auction.

The walkathons will take place in eight Asian countries: Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Donations and auctions will be facilitated online via a dedicated Steps for Impact 2027 website, which will go live in December 2026.

Initial Steps for Impact 2027 information is available at https://yaana-ventures.com/steps-for-impact-2027. Or email [email protected]

(Source: YAANA Ventures and Khiri Travel).

Riyadh Air starts Kuala Lumpur service

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, 4 August 2026: Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has celebrated the launch of its direct service between Riyadh and Kuala Lumpur, establishing its first gateway into Southeast Asia. 

Operating three times weekly (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays), the new direct service marks a strategic expansion for Riyadh Air, strengthening connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic markets.

Photo Credit: Riyadh Air. An inaugural airport ceremony was held in the presence of HE Osamah Dakhel Al-Ahmadi, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Malaysia; YBhg Dato Seri Jana Muniayan, Secretary General of Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport; YBhg Dato Mohd Ghani, Managing Director of Malaysia Airports; and Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer of Riyadh Air, commemorating the launch of the new service.

Flights are operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft with 289 seats. Flight time is eight hours and 15 minutes. Riyadh Air will compete with Saudia, which serves Kuala Lumpur with four weekly services using Boeing 777s with 339 seats.

Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas stated: “The inaugural flight to Kuala Lumpur is a defining moment for Riyadh Air as we establish our footprint in Southeast Asia. This route is far more than a direct connection between two capital cities; it builds a vital bridge between Saudi Arabia and the broader ASEAN region. By facilitating seamless travel for business, tourism, and education, we are actively supporting Vision 2030 while delivering an elevated, digitally led travel experience for our guests.”

Malaysia Airports Managing Director Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani said: “Riyadh Air’s decision to make Kuala Lumpur its first destination in Southeast Asia is significant for KLIA and for Malaysia. As the ninth Middle Eastern airline to serve KLIA, its entry further strengthens our connectivity with a region that is an increasingly important market for tourism, trade, and investment. For Malaysia Airports, this is about continuing to build a network that gives guests greater choice while strengthening KLIA’s role as a gateway between Southeast Asia and the rest of the world.

We look forward to supporting Riyadh Air as it establishes its presence here and grows its connectivity through Kuala Lumpur.”

Riyadh Air worked closely with Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Programme (ACP), the executive enabler of the National Tourism and Aviation Strategies, in launching the new Riyadh–Kuala Lumpur service. 

The route strengthens ties between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, supporting growing demand across tourism, business, education, trade, and religious travel, while advancing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions to position Riyadh as a leading global aviation hub. 

It also supports the continued growth of religious travel, offering Malaysian Umrah and Hajj pilgrims enhanced access to Saudi Arabia while providing Saudi travellers with a seamless gateway to explore Malaysia and the wider Southeast Asian region.

Tickets can be purchased through the Riyadh Air App, the website or preferred travel providers and platforms.

(Source: Riyadh Air)

Sheraton debuts in Port Moresby

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea, 4 August 2026: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts debuts in Papua New Guinea with the opening of Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites.

The 394-key hotel is located in Port Moresby’s central business and government district, a five-minute drive from Jacksons International Airport and connected to the Vision City Mega Mall – marking Marriott International’s second property in the country and a significant milestone for the brand’s expansion in the Pacific.

Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites.

Meetings, Dining & Social Spaces: More than 2,500 sqm of meeting and event space, including Papua New Guinea’s largest ballroom, complemented by multiple dining venues and the new Sheraton Club.

Wellness & Recreation: An infinity swimming pool, one of Port Moresby’s largest fitness centres and a full-service day spa.

The integration with retail, dining, and entertainment reinforces the hotel’s role as a central hub, offering guests continuous security and peace of mind while staying in Port Moresby.

(Source: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts)

SriLankan interlines with Maldivian

NEW DELHI, 4 August 2026: SriLankan Airlines has strengthened its regional connectivity through a new interline agreement with Island Aviation Services, operating under the Maldivian brand (Q2). 

This agreement enables SriLankan Airlines passengers to access 17 popular domestic destinations across the Maldives.

The arrangement allows passengers to book journeys involving both carriers under a single electronic ticket. This applies to all inbound and outbound travel via Velana International Airport in Malé and Gan International Airport on Gan Island, ensuring a smooth end-to-end travel experience.

By connecting SriLankan Airlines’ international network with Maldivian’s extensive domestic operations, the agreement significantly improves access to remote and popular island destinations within the Maldives. This is expected to benefit both leisure and business travellers seeking efficient transfers in the archipelago.

SriLankan Airlines continues to operate three daily flights to Velana International Airport in Malé and two weekly flights to Gan International Airport on Gan Island, ensuring strong connectivity to the Maldives. 

The airline operates an extensive international network, with these services providing convenient connections to and from its global destinations.

This initiative also creates new opportunities for travel agents, tour operators, corporate travel planners, and individual passengers, with more streamlined booking options expected to drive increased passenger traffic and boost sales on both the Malé and Gan routes.

SriLankan Airlines Head of Commercial, Dimuthu Tennakoon stated: “Our collaboration with Maldivian represents an important milestone in expanding our regional footprint and enhancing travel convenience for our customers. By integrating our global network with Maldivian’s domestic connectivity, we are unlocking greater access across the Maldives while creating new opportunities for growth across key commercial segments.”

Maldives Manager Nayomi Tennakoon added: “This interline partnership with Maldivian opens access to SriLankan Airlines’ global network through both Malé and Gan Island, extending further to numerous domestic destinations. Travellers can now experience the true diversity of the Maldivian archipelago through a single, seamless itinerary.”

SriLankan Airlines connects passengers to 130 destinations across 63 countries, including through codeshare partnerships, and serves 33 main online destinations across its network. Its direct services span cities across Europe, Australia, the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent and Asia. The airline operates an all-Airbus fleet, comprising state-of-the-art A330-200/300 and A320/321 aircraft.

(Source: SriLankan)