Mattala, October 28, (Daily Mirror) – Belavia – Belarusian Airlines, the national carrier of the Republic of Belarus, launched direct flights between Minsk and Mattala today, marking a significant step in strengthening air connectivity between Belarus and Sri Lanka.
The weekly flights will operate every Tuesday:
Minsk → Mattala – Departure: 02:10, Arrival: 14:00
Mattala → Minsk – Departure: 16:00, Arrival: 23:30
The inaugural flight, operated by an A330-200 aircraft with a 281-seat capacity, arrived at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) at 1:50 p.m., carrying 277 international tourists. The arrival was celebrated with a traditional water cannon salute by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (AASL). Passengers were welcomed with Kandyan dancing performances organized by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and presented with Ceylon Tea gifts by the Sri Lanka Tea Board, showcasing the unique hospitality of Sri Lanka.
Belavia’s direct service follows a familiarization visit to MRIA on August 4 by a top-level delegation, coordinated by H.E. Mrs. Shobini Gunasekera, Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, along with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, and Ports, Shipping and Aviation. Operational arrangements were supported by AASL, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), and the local GSA, Far East Air Services (Pvt) Limited.
Initially, flights will operate once a week with approval to continue until March 8, 2026, during the winter season. Belavia will consider expanding the service to a regular schedule based on market demand and growth opportunities. Tickets are available through Belavia sales offices and authorized agents.
MRIA handled 132,852 passenger movements in 2024, and from January to September 2025, it recorded 97,206 passenger movements, highlighting the airport’s growing role in international connectivity.
The inaugural flight ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe; H.E. Mihail Kasko, Ambassador of Belarus to India and Sri Lanka; Mr. Sunil Jayaratne, Chairman of CAASL; Ms. Malkanthi Rajapaksha, Director General of SLTDA; and senior officials from Far East Air Services and other key stakeholders.