SriLankan

SriLankan Airlines, commonly referred to as SriLankan, is the flag carrier and largest airline of Sri Lanka. Headquartered in Colombo, it operates primarily from Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake as its main hub, linking Sri Lanka to destinations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia.

The carrier traces its history to Air Lanka, and was rebranded as SriLankan Airlines in 1998 after modernization and restructuring. Over the years it has undergone various corporate changes and partnerships, including a period in which a strategic equity stake was held by Emirates. The airline joined the oneworld alliance in 2010, joining a global network of codeshare arrangements and frequent-flyer cooperation.

SriLankan operates a mixed network of international passenger services and cargo operations through SriLankan Cargo. Its services span long-haul routes to Europe and the Middle East, as well as regional and intercontinental connections within Asia. The airline emphasizes a regional emphasis on South Asia while maintaining a broader international reach through connections at its Colombo hub.

Fleet and services have evolved with fleet modernization to support both short- and long-haul operations. The carrier has historically operated Airbus aircraft, including A320 family jets for regional routes and wide-body A330s for longer journeys, with ongoing updates to reflect fleet strategy and market demand.

Ownership and governance are characterized by government ownership, with private sector partners having held equity at various times. As Sri Lanka’s flagship carrier, SriLankan Airlines remains a central component of the country’s international air connectivity and tourism strategy.