FitsAir launches direct Ahmedabad–Colombo flights with Sri Lanka tourism partners
Direct passenger flights between Ahmedabad and Colombo will commence on May 15, operating three times weekly. This new service, a partnership involving FitsAir, aims to enhance connectivity for Indian travelers, particularly from Gujarat, to Sri L...
By ET Online | Updated:
Agencies
Direct passenger flights between Ahmedabad and Colombo will begin from May 15 under a partnership between City of Dreams Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Walkers Tours and Sri Lankan carrier FitsAir. The service will operate three times a week and aims to improve connectivity for Indian travellers to Sri Lanka’s integrated resort destination.
FitsAir, Sri Lanka’s first private international airline, will run the scheduled service between the two cities. The initiative targets travellers from Gujarat, which tourism stakeholders identify as a fast-growing source market for Sri Lanka. The route is expected to support leisure travel and strengthen tourism links between western India and the island nation.
Gujarat emerges as key tourism market
Travel companies said Gujarat has seen rising outbound travel and growing interest in Sri Lanka as a leisure destination. The region’s established travel trade network and demand for international holidays have made it an important market for Sri Lankan tourism promotion.
The flights are also expected to support travel to City of Dreams Sri Lanka, an integrated resort project in Colombo designed to position the city as a regional hub for entertainment, leisure and lifestyle tourism.
Visitors can stay at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams or other properties run by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts in Colombo, including Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo and Cinnamon Red Colombo.
7 Asian countries with easy visa process for Indians to visit
1/8
Several Asian destinations now offer simplified or visa-free entry for Indian travellers. From visa-on-arrival facilities to electronic permits, these countries ensure a smooth and affordable travel experience. Here’s a look at a few popular choices across Asia where Indians can visit easily for holidays or short trips.
Several Asian destinations now offer simplified or visa-free entry for Indian travellers. From visa-on-arrival facilities to electronic permits, these countries ensure a smooth and affordable travel ..
Read More
Thailand continues to be one of the most convenient international destinations for Indians. Travellers holding an Indian passport can enjoy visa-free entry for up to 60 days until further notice. The only pre-arrival formality is completing the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which must be filled online within 72 hours before landing. Visitors must carry proof of accommodation, return flight tickets, and adequate funds for their stay. The visa-free policy has boosted short-term tourism, making Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi among the most frequented spots for Indian tourists.
Thailand continues to be one of the most convenient international destinations for Indians. Travellers holding an Indian passport can enjoy visa-free entry for up to 60 days until further notice. The..
Read More
The Maldives allows visa-free entry to Indians for up to 30 days on arrival. The process is quick and requires only a valid passport, return ticket, and confirmed hotel booking. Immigration authorities may ask for proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay. This island nation has remained a top getaway for Indian travellers seeking leisure and short vacations. The visa facility is free of charge, making the Maldives a convenient choice for spontaneous travel plans.
The Maldives allows visa-free entry to Indians for up to 30 days on arrival. The process is quick and requires only a valid passport, return ticket, and confirmed hotel booking. Immigration authoriti..
Read More
Indonesia offers a visa-on-arrival facility for Indian passport holders at major airports, including Bali and Jakarta. The visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days. Travellers also have the option to apply for an electronic visa (e-visa) before departure. With simplified procedures and quick processing, Indonesia remains one of the most accessible Southeast Asian destinations for Indians.
Indonesia offers a visa-on-arrival facility for Indian passport holders at major airports, including Bali and Jakarta. The visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days. Trav..
Read More
Vietnam has streamlined its travel process for Indians through an e-visa system that allows online applications before departure. The e-visa is usually processed within three business days and is valid for up to 90 days with single or multiple entries. Travellers can also choose visa-on-arrival through authorised agencies at designated airports. The system has encouraged more Indians to explore destinations such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, known for their cultural and natural attractions.
Vietnam has streamlined its travel process for Indians through an e-visa system that allows online applications before departure. The e-visa is usually processed within three business days and is val..
Read More
Indians can also visit Bhutan without a visa, although a travel permit is required for certain regions. Visitors entering through Phuentsholing, Paro, or other designated points must carry a valid passport or voter ID. The permits are generally issued on arrival after document verification. The process is free and straightforward. Bhutan’s proximity and simplified travel rules make it a quiet yet rewarding destination for nature and culture enthusiasts from India.
Indians can also visit Bhutan without a visa, although a travel permit is required for certain regions. Visitors entering through Phuentsholing, Paro, or other designated points must carry a valid pa..
Read More
Nepal offers the simplest entry for Indian citizens. No visa is required to travel between the two countries under the bilateral agreement. Indians can enter Nepal using either a passport or an officially recognised photo identity card. Flights and road routes are both open for travel, and no prior approval is needed for tourism or business visits. The open-border arrangement continues to support strong cultural and economic ties between the two nations.
Nepal offers the simplest entry for Indian citizens. No visa is required to travel between the two countries under the bilateral agreement. Indians can enter Nepal using either a passport or an offic..
Read More
For Indians, Sri Lanka provides two easy options — Visa on Arrival and the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), both valid for stays of up to 30 days. The ETA can be obtained online before travel, while the on-arrival process is available at Colombo airport. Required documents include a valid passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The simplified entry process, along with proximity to India, has made Sri Lanka a preferred short-haul destination for leisure and business travellers alike.
For Indians, Sri Lanka provides two easy options — Visa on Arrival and the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), both valid for stays of up to 30 days. The ETA can be obtained online before travel, ..
The new route will also be bundled with travel packages for Indian visitors. These packages combine the Colombo stay with multi-destination itineraries across Sri Lanka, including cultural visits to Kandy and beach stays at Cinnamon resorts.
Kamal Munasinghe, Senior Vice President, Colombo Hotels, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, said, “India continues to be one of our most important markets, and Gujarat in particular has shown strong interest in Colombo as a leisure destination. These dedicated flights provide a seamless gateway for travellers to experience the vibrant energy, entertainment, and hospitality that define City of Dreams Sri Lanka, while exploring curated Cinnamon holiday experiences across the island.”
Ammar Kassim, Director at FitsAir, said, “Ahmedabad is one of India’s most vibrant commercial centres, and a city we’ve long wanted to bring into our network. Our overnight departure from Colombo arrives early in the morning, giving travellers a full day ahead. It also opens up smooth onward connections through Colombo across our ever-growing international network.”
Bookings are currently available through curated Cinnamon travel packages starting from ₹55,555. The package includes return airfare, two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams and private airport transfers.