Israel’s Arkia airline set to begin operations to Colombo from October

A special discussion regarding commencement of direct passenger flights from Tel Aviv in Israel to Katunayake was held between the civil aviation authorities of the two countries recently, which was chaired by Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. 
Accordingly, the civil aviation authorities of the two countries discussed at length to come to an agreement by resolving the existing problems regarding the commencement of the new air service. 

The representatives of the aviation sector from Israel paid special attention to the security conditions at the Katunayake airport and the surrounding area during the commencement of flight operations. 
Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka gave a full explanation about the security procedures carried out in the aviation operations of Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the Civil Aviation Authority said that a memorandum of understanding between the civil aviation authorities of the two countries is to be signed soon and that the aircraft belonging to Israel’s Arkia airline are scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka from October. 
de Silva said that the opportunity to commence direct flights between the two countries came as a result of a discussion between President Ranil Wickremasinghe and the government of Israel. 

He said that a large number of Israeli tourists are looking forward to traveling to Sri Lanka and the commencement of this air service will be very convenient for the Israeli tourists. 

de Silva highlighted the significant number of Sri Lankan workers currently employed in diverse sectors within Israel. He emphasised that the introduction of this direct air service would not only provide them with exceptional convenience but also offer substantial financial

advantages when it comes to procuring air tickets. Ministry Secretary K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, Civil Aviation Authority Director General P.K. Jayakantha, Israel’s Air Transport Division Senior Director Ishay Don-Yehiya and a group of eight representatives participated in the discussion