SriLankan Airlines takes over Mihin Lanka routes as low-cost carrier folds

After several months of speculation, Mihin Lanka, the Sri Lankan low-cost carrier, which has never been a profitable carrier since its inception in 2007 has ceased operations. The country’s flag-carrying airline SriLankan Airlines has taken over all its existing flights.
Operating a small fleet of Airbus A320-family aircraft, the low-cost carrier concentrated on routes within the Indian sub-continent, as well as the Gulf region where many Sri Lankans are employed. According to a joint statement by Mihin Lanka and Sri Lankan Airlines, the closure decision “has been made by the government as part of its long-term strategy to restructure the local aviation industry and strengthen the national carrier’s offering and efficiency.”
The statement added that “All routes in Mihin Lanka’s route network will now be serviced by SriLankan Airlines, thus marking a new beginning for the national carrier and building a strong, efficient and competitive airline that will be a force to be reckoned with in the region.”
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan Airlines has been facing stiff competition from Gulf Carriers and the state-owned airline has been seeking external investment. 130 of the Mihin Lanka’s 300 employees have been redeployed to Sri Lankan Airlines.
Anyone accessing the Mihin Lanka website is now being automatically redirected to the Sri Lankan Airlines website.