Sri Lanka Tourism celebrated a special milestone this Christmas with the inaugural arrival of a key flight from Kazakhstan. On December 25, Air Astana, the national carrier of Kazakhstan, touched down at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, in collaboration with LSR as the ground handler.
The Airbus A321 carried 166 passengers on the first flight of the 2025/2026 winter season. Air Astana will continue its service until March 2026, operating two weekly flights — on Mondays and Thursdays — connecting Almaty, Kazakhstan’s capital, with Colombo.
The festive arrival was marked with a traditional water salute, delighting passengers and crew alike. Guests were warmly welcomed with Sri Lanka’s signature hospitality, including a vibrant cultural dance performance that showcased the island’s rich traditions and heritage. Souvenirs were presented to commemorate the occasion, leaving travelers with a lasting impression of Sri Lanka as a warm and welcoming destination.
Sri Lanka Tourism highlighted the country’s unique appeal as a 365-day destination, offering diverse experiences from cultural immersion to adventure and leisure, all accessible within a single day’s journey.
With Kazakhstan emerging as a promising market for Sri Lanka, arrivals like these are expected to strengthen ties and showcase the island’s appeal beyond its traditional tourism markets, positioning the country as a premier travel destination across the East European region.