SriLankan to maintain all long-haul routes amid global fuel shock

Dhaka: The Sri Lankan government has confirmed that national carrier SriLankan Airlines will maintain all its current international routes, including long-haul services, despite record-high jet fuel prices causing widespread disruption across global aviation.

Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka said the government signed an agreement with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) to supply jet fuel on credit for a limited period. The Treasury has also issued a grant to support the airline during the crisis.

"We have not taken any decision to reduce or limit long-haul operations," Karunathilaka said, acknowledging that global fuel price pressure is affecting all airlines.

Soaring jet fuel prices in 2026, driven by conflict in the Middle East and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have severely disrupted global aviation. The crisis has led to thousands of flight cancellations, massive capacity reductions, and sharply higher airfares worldwide, forcing many carriers to cut operations drastically.

Amid this backdrop, Sri Lanka is maintaining full international operations, including long-distance services to France, Frankfurt, London, Sydney, and Narita, according to officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).

Some aviation experts argue Sri Lanka's stance could help sustain tourism flows and international connectivity during the country's fragile economic recovery. Others warn the approach may place additional strain on state finances if fuel subsidies are prolonged.

For now, SriLankan Airlines remains one of the few carriers keeping every route open while much of the global aviation industry tightens its belt.

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