Sri Lanka is losing an estimated $10 million to $12 million in weekly tourism revenue as escalating tensions in the Middle East trigger a sharp decline in foreign arrivals, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe said.
The financial hit comes as a significant blow to the country’s economy, which relies heavily on Western travelers who often transit through Middle Eastern aviation hubs.
Despite the regional instability, authorities noted a brief reprieve yesterday afternoon when a limited reopening of Middle Eastern airspace allowed two delayed flights to depart from Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.
A FitsAir flight carrying 47 passengers and 10 crew members successfully took off for Dubai, followed shortly by an Air Arabia flight bound for Sharjah with 44 passengers and 10 crew on board.
In response to the travel disruptions, the Sri Lankan government has moved to protect international visitors currently unable to return home.
Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka announced that a previously granted two-week visa extension for stranded foreigners has been further extended to ensure they remain legally within the country until alternative travel arrangements can be secured.