The Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Private Limited (AASL) today welcomed AzurAir as the first direct charter flight between Russia and Sri Lanka.

The first flight arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning with 332 passengers.

The flight was welcomed by a celebratory water cannon salute upon arrival at the airport, and the passengers were warmly welcomed with Sri Lanka Tea Board-sponsored Ceylon Tea gift packs, followed by a traditional Kandyan dance performance.

Azur Air is scheduled to operate four flights per week from Venukov, Tolmochev, Kranoyarsk and St. Petersburg, Russia.

Accordingly, direct charter flights between Russia and Sri Lanka kicked off today (November 1). (Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)