Moldova’s direct flights to Mattala trigger tourist rush from Ukraine

• It will generate an income of US $ 25Mn during this winter

 Direct flights began from Moldova to Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport in Mattala from December 27 for the first time, enabling tourists from nearby Ukraine to visit Sri Lanka, former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga said yesterday.

He said FlyUp Airline is to begin direct flights to Mattala soon. “The airline is expected to bring in Ukrainians who are living near the Moldova border.

“Ukrainian tourists have paved the way for the tourists from countries such as Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland. Around six airlines are flying from these countries daily. Accordingly SkyUP, and FlyOne are bringing 16,000 tourists to Mattala,” he said. It will generate an income of US $ 25 million during this winter,” Mr. Weeratunga said.

“I would like to tell those who criticize me that I have played a role in bringing 60,422 tourists to Mattala from 2022. 
The time has come to mete out justice to me,” he said while highlighting that he has been victimized by the Attorney General’s Department and some politicians,” he added. The initial flight of FlyOne Airlines Moldova reached Mattala on December 27. 

• Ukrainian tourists have paved the way for the tourists from countries such as Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland