Sri Lanka’s tourism season has commenced on a strong note, with three special charter flights carrying nearly 540 passengers from Poland arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport on Friday.
The flights, operated by Polish airline Enter Air, landed at Katunayake within a two-hour period, bringing tourists eager to experience the island’s beaches, wildlife, culture and heritage during the peak travel season.
Each aircraft carried approximately 180 passengers, including flight crew, marking one of the largest single-day arrivals of Polish tourists to Sri Lanka in recent months.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau organised a special welcome ceremony at the airport, where the visitors were greeted with traditional cultural performances showcasing the country’s heritage and customs.
The three flights originated from major Polish cities. Flight ENT 7607 arrived from Katowice at 7.40 a.m., followed by ENT 1913 from Poznan at 8.25 a.m. and ENT 1561 from Warsaw at 9.40 a.m.
42 Charter Flights Scheduled Until April 2027
The arrivals are part of a wider charter flight programme scheduled to continue until April 2027. Under the initiative, a total of 42 charter flights are expected to operate between Poland and Sri Lanka, ensuring a steady flow of European tourists throughout the season.
Tourism industry stakeholders view the expansion of charter services from Poland as an important opportunity to increase European visitor arrivals and strengthen Sri Lanka’s position as a preferred long-haul destination.
Tourism officials believe the continued operation of these flights will boost visitor numbers and enhance Sri Lanka’s visibility among European travellers by promoting its natural attractions, cultural landmarks and hospitality offerings.
The anticipated increase in tourist arrivals is also expected to contribute to foreign exchange earnings and create opportunities across the hospitality sector, including hotels, restaurants, transport services, tour operators and other tourism-related businesses.
With 42 charter flights planned through April next year, the Poland–Sri Lanka air connection is expected to play a significant role in supporting tourism growth during the country’s peak travel season.
