Sri Lanka Imposes Temporary Cargo Limits on Europe Flights Due to Middle East Crisis

COLOMBO (News 1st); Temporary cargo limitations have been imposed on flights operating to Europe due to the situation that has emerged in the Middle East, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka said.

Minister Anura Karunathilaka explained that SriLankan Airlines flights to European destinations,  particularly London, Frankfurt, and Paris, have already begun operating via alternative air routes that bypass the Middle East.

'Flights to Europe, especially London, Frankfurt and Paris, have now commenced operations. But these aircraft must travel through alternative routes avoiding the Middle East. This requires roughly an extra hour of flight time in addition to the usual duration,' he said.

Because of the longer routes, additional fuel is needed, reducing the allowable weight for cargo. 'Therefore, for these flight slots, we have had to impose certain limitations on cargo, meaning parcels,' the Minister noted.

He added that authorities are taking all possible measures to maintain civil aviation operations smoothly through both Bandaranaike International Airport and Mattala Airport until the Middle East situation stabilizes.

Meanwhile, Minister Karunathilaka also clarified the relief offered to passengers stranded in Sri Lanka who are unable to depart the country due to the current circumstances.

'Because of this situation, some flights have been cancelled, and certain passengers need to reschedule their tickets. Some even need to cancel their tickets entirely,' he said.

The Minister emphasized that airlines have agreed not to charge passengers any additional fees. 'In no case will extra charges be applied. For cancellations, the full amount will be refunded. For rescheduling to another flight, no additional fee will be charged. All airlines have agreed to provide these facilities,' he confirmed.