Lanka increases Embarkation Tax, airlines up ticket prices

Airlines operating to Sri Lanka have made the decision to increase ticket prices in light of Sri Lankan government’s decision to increase the Embarkation Tax levied on every departing passenger from Bandaranaike International Airport who has stayed in the country for over 24 hours, applicable starting from January 1, 2017.

The increase in Embarkation Tax is a decision made in line with Sri Lankan government’s budget proposals for 2017.

Embarkation Tax has been increased from USD 30 (Rs. 4,200) to USD 50 (Rs. 7,000).

This spells a USD 20 increase to tickets of passengers travelling out of Bandaranaike International Airport.

Managing Director of Ace Aviation - General Sales Agent of SriLankan Airlines in Maldives, Mohamed Firaq reported that the increase in ticket prices will not be applicable to customers who have already taken their tickets.

Bandaranaike International Airport will be closed from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm every day from January 7 to April 7 for repair and maintenance work on its runway.

It will result in disruptions to the normal flight schedule.