Mihin Lanka starts flights to Bangkok, Tiruchirapalli

24 July, 2007:

In the past two-and-a-half months, Sri Lanka’s fully government-owned carrier Mihin Lanka has carried as many as 17,000 passengers.

The budget carrier which has been adding destinations on an almost a weekly basis, with good current load factors and firm bookings, has chosen Bangkok as its latest destination.

Mihin Lanka had launched a daily service on the Colombo-Tiruchirappalli-Colombo sector a few days ago. The airline, which operates two Airbus aircraft, offers flights to a number of regional destinations.

Meanwhile, airline sources have said that the Singapore’s airport authorities were willing to grant certain concessions to Mihin Lanka, having noticed its potential for increasing tourist and business traffic between the two countries. Several other countries and airport operators have invited Mihin to commence flights.

With the India flights having kick started, the budget airline start-up is being sought after by pilgrims going to India and migrant workers as Mihin airfares were much more affordable. The airline is also offering passengers a much bigger allowance, said a report.

Besides, Mihin Lanka has also stepped into innovative territory by announcing a baggage limit of 100 kg, instead of the usual 40-50 kg, in order to target small traders doing business in Sri Lanka.

With Tiruchirappalli and Bangkok being picked as the newest destinations, the airline would now operate an Airbus A-320 on the routes. It also plans better connectivity to Bangkok, Dubai and Maldives from Colombo.