SriLankan Airlines suspends flights to Middle East; CAASL implements special program to manage flights

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) has announced a special program aimed at helping passengers and aircraft traveling to and from Sri Lanka. This initiative is led by Captain Daminda Rambukwella, the Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer. The action comes in response to the closure of airspace in several countries due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and nearby areas. As a result, both SriLankan Airlines and FitsAir have temporarily halted flights to those destinations and routes affected by this airspace situation. Passengers who plan to travel to these areas are urged to check their flight details with their travel agents or airlines before heading to the airport. An emergency action plan has been developed, with input from the Minister, Deputy Minister, and Secretary of the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation, along with relevant stakeholders, to manage the current circumstances. Additionally, the CAASL has indicated that Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is ready to handle redirected flights if needed and reassures the public not to worry excessively about the situation.