Direct Ahmedabad-Colombo flights to begin, boosting tourism and business travel

Ahmedabad: Direct flights between Ahmedabad and Colombo are set to begin this week, offering travellers from India's Gujarat state easier access to Sri Lanka while reducing the need for connecting flights through Mumbai and Delhi.

The new service will be launched from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPI), with direct flights to Baku also expected to begin soon, followed by Phuket.

Travel industry representatives said the new routes come in response to growing demand for outbound travel from Gujarat and are expected to increase passenger traffic at Ahmedabad airport.

Bhavesh Mangalani, managing partner of a travel firm in Ahmedabad, said Colombo and Baku are among the most popular short-haul international destinations for travellers.

He noted that summer travel had been affected by airspace closures, fewer flights and concerns over geopolitical tensions, adding that the new direct services would provide convenient alternatives for holidaymakers, especially during long weekends.

Former Gujarat chapter chairman of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Virendra Shah, said Sri Lanka and Azerbaijan continue to attract strong demand despite rising airfares.

He said leisure and corporate travel have both contributed to sustained demand, although higher ticket prices remain a concern for many travellers.

Tour operators also reported an increase in inquiries and advance bookings for short-haul international destinations ahead of the festive season.

Manish Sharma, a travel firm owner in Ahmedabad, said travel inquiries have risen following the easing of geopolitical tensions in West Asia, with Sri Lanka and Azerbaijan among the most sought-after destinations for travel later this year.

He added that bookings are expected to remain strong through October, supported by positive consumer sentiment and holiday travel plans for Diwali.