Sri Lanka Loses Popularity as Russian Tour Operators Cancel Charter Flights

Major Russian tour operators have suspended their charter programs to Sri Lanka, citing overpriced accommodations, weak demand, and unfavorable weather conditions. According to Rambler Travel, the island has become uncompetitive compared to other popular destinations.

At the beginning of the 2024–2025 tourist season, Sri Lanka showed strong interest from Russian travelers, but that trend reversed. Tour operators reported declining demand, especially for the summer months. Charter programs operated by Red Wings and Aeroflot were deemed economically unfeasible.

The main issue was overpriced hotels. TEZ TOUR CEO Voskan Arzumanyan noted that Sri Lankan hoteliers misjudged the Russian market, setting rates comparable to the Maldives despite offering lower-quality service and infrastructure. As a result, tourists increasingly opted for Thailand or Turkey, which offer better value and a more comfortable summer climate.

The southwest monsoon, which begins in summer, further worsened the situation with heavy rains, high humidity, and power outages. Hotel discounts came too late to help form attractive travel packages. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s eastern coast — with more stable summer weather — remains underrepresented on the Russian market. RATA News reported that demand stagnates due to stiff competition and limited marketing efforts.

The Russian Association of Tour Operators (ATOR) confirmed that no charter flights are planned to Sri Lanka for summer 2025. All routes will rely on scheduled flights. Operators are now shifting resources to more profitable markets, such as Thailand, Turkey, the UAE, and Egypt. Airlines formerly serving Sri Lanka have redirected to destinations with steady demand.

Sri Lanka remains accessible via connections through Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul. These longer, complex routes appeal mainly to seasoned travelers willing to book independently. However, journey times often reach 15–20 hours, including layovers, making them unattractive for mass tourism. Limited direct connections further hinder flexible trip planning.

So far, there is no official word on restarting charter services in fall or winter 2025. However, with pricing adjustments and better promotion of the eastern coast, direct flights could return. The destination still holds potential in niche segments — such as cultural, eco, and wellness tourism.

Some hopes remain in specialized travel niches like surfing, yoga retreats, and Ayurvedic tourism. The eastern coast is well-suited to these activities in summer. With targeted promotion, this segment could attract new travelers.