By: Staff Writer March 18, Colombo (LNW) After a four-year hiatus prompted by the COVID pandemic, Thai Airways is set to resume its flight operations between Thailand and Sri Lanka from next month. The move will boost the tourism industry, which has seen substantial growth in international tourist arrivals during the first two months of 2024. In January and February, the airport handled a total of 207,182 and 218,350 visitors, respectively. Travellers will have the opportunity to enjoy top-notch service and connectivity with Thai Airways and explore over 60 cities in 28 countries from Bangkok. MAC Holdings Ltd., is appointed as the General Sales Agent (GSA) representing the airline in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Thai Airways operates flights to key destinations across Europe, Australia, Asia, and within Thailand. Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd., expressed its delight in welcoming Thai Airways back to its main gateway. As of February 2024, Sri Lanka’s airports had served 36 esteemed airlines conducting scheduled international operations, further solidifying their pivotal role in the aviation industry. The decision to restart the service was announced by Royal Thai Airways at a ceremony held at Hilton last Friday, attended by several dignitaries, including Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva, Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabri, Thailand Ambassador to Sri Lanka Paitoon Mahapannaporn, and representatives from Thai Airways’ senior management. The inaugural flight is scheduled to touch down at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) from Bangkok on 1 April. With daily flights scheduled between Bangkok and Colombo, Thai Airways aims to provide convenient and reliable air travel options for passengers, further strengthening the economic and cultural bonds between the two nations. Minister de Silva expressed his delight at the return of Thai Airways to Sri Lanka, heralding a new chapter in bilateral air connectivity between Thailand and Sri Lanka. He highlighted the longstanding friendship and cultural ties between the two countries such as Buddhism, trade and agriculture occupying a major place among them. He also underscored the significance of the renewed air link in strengthening closer relations and facilitating increased travel between Thailand and Sri Lanka. Highlighting the quality of service provided by Thai Airways before the pandemic-induced downturn in the aviation industry, the Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by the sector and welcomed the airline’s return amidst efforts to revitalise the Sri Lankan economy under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.