India is the biggest market for both Sri Lanka Tourism as well as SriLankan Airlines. The carrier is hoping that market will improve by January 2021 and soon afterwards return to normalcy. India Outbound spoke to V Ravindran, regional manager – India & Bangladesh, SriLankan Airlines, about its plans to restart in India and the safety measures taken by the airline in view of the pandemic.

How has the experience of flying internationally changed due to the pandemic?

People have become more health conscious and passengers are carrying out more research before they embark on international travel. However, SriLankan Airlines have been tremendously active on taking all necessary measures. The touch points of customers are made sure with required sanitisation and wherever human involvements are there to strictly adhere the standards such as social distance and PPE kits.

Have Sri Lanka asked for an air bubble pact to fly to India?

Yes, through the SL Government, the Air Bubble discussions are underway with the two Governments. We are keen to exploit the air bubble between India and SL when it becomes a reality.

What are your plans for October to December 2020? Which destinations globally look best placed for you to restart your flights? 

We are still contemplating resuming operation during the last quarter of the current calendar year, October-December due to the vulnerability of the pandemic. Our top priorities are Male, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Singapore, Melbourne & Sydney.

What is your expectation of the Indian market for 2020 and 2021?

The Indian market is expected to recover by early December 2020 or January 2021. It would be predominantly leisure and business traffic. But India is the biggest market for Sri Lanka and we are definitely expecting a huge footfall from India and mainly from wedding sector. SriLankan Airlines does offer seasonal discounts on flying. So yes, we are expecting all kind of traffic from India.

When do you expect the market to return to normalcy?

We are very hopeful and optimistic on this part, as you never know when we can get good news and travelling starts with a bang. We are progressing in a slower phase due to the vulnerability of the situation globally. Sri Lanka Tourism and SriLankan Airlines both together are trying and putting efforts to recommence the air travel which is also a contributing measure to the Sri Lankan economy by a way of tourism, being the national carrier. Whenever the Indian market is ready, we will be ready to be back in business.