SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka now facilitates Umrah pilgrims to Jeddah, with its latest route via Mattala. For the first time in history, SriLankan passengers will now have the opportunity to start their journey from the country’s second international airport, Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA). Accordingly, the first batch consisting 30 Umrah pilgrims, departed from Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, on Thursday.

SriLankan Airlines, Manager Sales (Agency/Passenger) Fawzan Fareid said, “SriLankan as the national carrier has always been attentive to the pulse of the people. Our mission lies far beyond transferring people from one point to another. It is about taking them to where they desire to be. This initiative came into being as a result of our effort to provide a smooth and hassle free journey to all the pilgrims heading for the Holy Land. This is all about recognising and saluting their devotion."

The team leader of the group Mohammad Iqbal Marikkar voicing his thoughts on the sacred journey with SriLankan said, “SriLankan’s operations to Jeddah from Mattala comes as a great relief for the devotees in the Southern and Eastern parts of the country, who will otherwise, have to, make a longer journey to the capital city in order to board a flight. With the ever-so supportive staff and smooth completion of formalities, I am hopeful that this is going to be hassle-free journey from the beginning to the end."

SriLankan operates a weekly flight leaving Hambantota to Jeddah every Thursday at 1400 hrs local time. The national carrier, with its strong presence in the Middle Eastern region, currently operates a total of five flights a week to Jeddah.