India’s largest airline IndiGo has announced the launch of flights to Jaffna, Sri Lanka, its 34th international destination and 122nd overall.
ATRs to Jaffna
Starting 1st September 2024, IndiGo will operate a daily flight between Chennai and Jaffna in Sri Lanka with the following schedule:
- Chennai-Jaffna
- Departure time: 13:55
- Arrival time: 15:10
- Flight time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Flight number: 6E1177
- Jaffna-Chennai
- Departure time: 15:55
- Arrival time: 17:10
- Flight time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Flight number: 6E1178
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These flights will be operated by IndiGo’s ATR72-600s seating 72 passengers in Economy Class. With this, IndiGo will start international flights with ATR aircraft, which have been used for short domestic regional flights until now.
We are pleased to announce Jaffna as our new destination in Sri Lanka, which will serve as a catalyst in enhancing trade & tourism between our two countries. In addition to these daily flights from Chennai to Jaffna, we also offer 30 weekly frequencies from 4 points in India to Colombo. This 75-minute flight would significantly reduce travel time, making Jaffna, Sri Lanka even more accessible. We are continuously working towards providing our customers with superior connectivity and enhanced accessibility to explore new horizons with our ever-expanding range of travel options.
Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo said.
India has consistently held the position of the top primary market for international tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka. In June 2024, Indian arrivals accounted for 25.2% of the total, with over 28,631 travellers, compared to a 26.7% share in June 2023, with around 26,830 passengers.
IndiGo says that the “demand for travel between Chennai and Jaffna is evident, with over 21,000 passengers flying the route in just nine months last year”. Jaffna, a city located in the northern province of Sri Lanka, is a destination that boasts a rich history and cultural significance. Its vibrant Tamil heritage is reflected in its traditions, festivals, and historical landmarks, showcasing the resilience and diversity of its people. Visitors can explore iconic sites such as the Jaffna Fort, which serves as an architectural testament to the region’s colonial past, and the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, a revered Hindu temple that holds both religious and cultural importance.
Featured image by IndiGo
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