As Sri Lanka reopens its borders to Indian travelers, Sri Lankan Airlines has officially started accepting flight bookings from major Indian cities to Colombo. This decision follows the government's approval to welcome Indian tourists, making Sri Lanka an attractive travel destination in 2025. However, ticket prices have surged significantly, nearly double the pre-pandemic rates.

If you're planning a trip to Sri Lanka, it's essential to know the best booking strategies, price trends, and potential risks before securing your flight. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about India-Colombo flights, alternative travel options, and how you can find the best deals.

Table of Contents

1. Sri Lankan Airlines Resumes India-Colombo Flights

2. Cities Offering Direct Flights to Colombo

3. Current Ticket Prices & Trends

4. Future Price Predictions & Best Booking Strategies

5. Risks of Early Booking & Travel Restrictions

6. Why Are Ticket Prices High?

7. Are There Connected Flights to Other Destinations?

8. Alternative Airlines & Routes

9. Tips to Save Money on Flight Bookings

10. Book Your Flight with Travelay

Sri Lankan Airlines Resumes India-Colombo Flights

Following the Sri Lankan government’s approval, Sri Lankan Airlines has begun accepting flight bookings from Bengaluru, Cochin, Chennai, and Mumbai. There is a possibility that Hyderabad and Delhi will be added soon, expanding travel options further.

For travelers looking forward to exploring Sri Lanka, this is great news as it provides a nearby vacation destination apart from other hotspots like the Maldives.

Cities Offering Direct Flights to Colombo

Currently, Sri Lankan Airlines is operating direct flights from:

• Bengaluru (BLR) to Colombo (CMB)

• Chennai (MAA) to Colombo (CMB)

• Mumbai (BOM) to Colombo (CMB)

• Cochin (COK) to Colombo (CMB)

Other cities such as Delhi and Hyderabad may soon be included in this list.

Current Ticket Prices & Trends

The ticket prices for India-Colombo flights have increased significantly compared to pre-pandemic rates. Currently, return fares are around ₹29,000-₹30,000 ($350-$380), which is double the usual price.

• Pre-COVID fares: ₹10,000 - ₹15,000 ($120 - $180) round-trip.

• Post-COVID fares (as of September 2025): ₹29,000 - ₹42,000 ($350 - $500) round-trip.

Mumbai to Colombo fares are even higher, reaching ₹42,000 ($500).

Future Price Predictions & Best Booking Strategies

If you're looking for cheaper flights, ticket prices for late October and November seem to drop to around ₹20,000 ($250) for a round-trip. Prices in December and January 2025 go down further to ₹16,000 ($200), which is more reasonable.

Best Booking Tips:

• Monitor flight prices regularly – Booking too early might not always be the best choice.

• Look for discounts on travel booking platforms.

• Book in advance for peak seasons but avoid locking in tickets too early due to potential travel restrictions.

• Check flexible booking policies in case of unforeseen changes.

Risks of Early Booking & Travel Restrictions

While booking your flight months in advance may seem like a good idea, there are risks:

• Possibility of new COVID waves leading to travel restrictions.

• Non-flexible Eco Saver fares that do not allow changes or cancellations.

• Uncertainty in connecting flights to other international destinations.

Why Are Ticket Prices High?

There are multiple reasons why ticket prices for Sri Lankan Airlines are expensive:

• High demand & limited supply – Many travelers need to fly urgently.

• Airlines recovering losses from months of inactivity.

• Fuel costs and inflation affecting airline pricing.

Are There Connected Flights to Other Destinations?

Currently, Sri Lankan Airlines is not offering connected flights from India to cities like Moscow, Seychelles, or London via Colombo. The only exception is Maldives, as it allows Indian tourists.

This means that if you're planning to fly beyond Colombo, you may need to book separate flights, increasing travel costs and inconvenience.

Alternative Airlines & Routes

If you are looking for alternative routes or cheaper flights, consider these options:

• Air India, Indigo, or Vistara may offer connecting flights with layovers.

• Budget airlines like AirAsia might provide cheaper fares.

• Flying to the Maldives first and then taking a flight to Sri Lanka.

Tips to Save Money on Flight Bookings

If you want to book cheaper India-Colombo flights, follow these tips:

• Use flight comparison websites to track fare trends.

• Book tickets during travel deals and flash sales.

• Opt for mid-week flights instead of weekends.

• Consider alternative routes via Dubai or Maldives.

• Use reward points and travel credit cards to get discounts.

Book Your Flight with Travelay

If you’re looking for the best deals on flights to Colombo, check out Travelay for seamless booking, exclusive discounts, and top-notch customer support. Compare prices, find the best dates, and book your flight hassle-free!

Final Thoughts

Sri Lanka is once again open for Indian travelers, and Sri Lankan Airlines has resumed its India-Colombo flights. While ticket prices are currently high, they are expected to become more affordable in the coming months. Keep an eye on fare trends, book wisely, and plan your trip accordingly.

Have you booked your flight yet? Let us know your travel plans in the comments!

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