YuSMP Travel Editorial Team
Russian charter carrier Azur Air resumes direct flights to Sri Lanka on 2 November 2026 after a one-year break — and this time not to the familiar Colombo, but to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota, on the island's southern coast. Tour operator Anex is organising the winter 2026/2027 programme from eight Russian cities. Below: the city-by-city schedule, the aircraft, and what to know about visas and money. For the bigger picture, see our Sri Lanka overview.
What we know about the new programme
According to Azur Air and tour operator Anex, the first flights to Sri Lanka from Samara and Tyumen depart on 2 November 2026, with six more cities joining the programme over the following week. Flights are operated on a wide-body Boeing 767-300 and land at Mattala airport in the south — not the airport used for scheduled Colombo routes, such as S7's (see "S7 Launches Flights From Novosibirsk to Sri Lanka and the Maldives"). According to tour operators, the flying programme is planned to run through the whole winter season, into May 2027.
Departure cities and first-flight dates
| Departure city | First flight | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Samara | 2 November | 1 flight / 12 days |
| Tyumen | 2 November | 1 flight / 12 days |
| Moscow | 3 November | 3 flights / 12 days |
| Kazan | 4 November | 1 flight / 12 days |
| Novosibirsk | 6 November | 1 flight / 12 days |
| Yekaterinburg | 7 November | 2 flights / 12 days |
| Mineralnye Vody | 8 November | 1 flight / 12 days |
| Ufa | 10 November | 1 flight / 12 days |
Hambantota is not Colombo
Worth noting before you book: Azur Air's flights don't land at Bandaranaike airport near Colombo, the one most Russian travellers know. They land at Mattala Rajapaksa, the country's second-largest airport, near Hambantota in the south. The region gives quick access to southern beaches, the historic Galle Fort, the Sigiriya rock fortress, tea country and Yala National Park's leopards and elephants — but a transfer to Colombo or the west coast takes several hours. Factor that into your hotel and route choice; see our full regional breakdown in "Sri Lanka for Russian Travellers: A Complete Guide".
Visa, money and what to bring
Russian citizens don't need a full visa for a tourist trip to Sri Lanka — a free electronic ETA valid for 30 days applies, filed at the official eta.gov.lk portal before departure; see the details in "Sri Lanka Visa Rules for Russian Travellers: Entry Requirements in 2026". Mir cards and Russian-issued Visa/Mastercard don't work on the island, and UnionPay is accepted only in limited places — how to pay and how much cash to bring is covered in "How to Pay in Sri Lanka".
Price and how to book
According to tour operator Anex, a package for two with flights, accommodation, meals, transfers and insurance starts at 213,000 rubles — an early-November 2026 reference price that varies by travel date, hotel and departure city. This is a charter programme: seats are sold mainly as part of a package, so check directly with the tour operator about seat-only availability, or browse our airlines section. Use our destination match tool to compare it with other winter options.
Frequently asked questions
Do Russian citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
No full visa is required: Russians use the free electronic ETA valid for 30 days, applied for at eta.gov.lk before departure.
Do Azur Air flights land in Colombo?
No. The flights land at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota, in the south of the island — a different airport from the one used for Colombo routes such as S7's.
How much does a package tour on this route cost?
According to tour operator Anex, a package for two starting with flights, accommodation, meals, transfers and insurance begins at 213,000 rubles — an early-November 2026 reference price that varies by date and hotel.
Which Russian cities does this route serve?
Eight cities: Samara and Tyumen (from 2 November), Moscow (from 3 November), Kazan (from 4 November), Novosibirsk (from 6 November), Yekaterinburg (from 7 November), Mineralnye Vody (from 8 November) and Ufa (from 10 November).
What aircraft operates these flights?
A wide-body Boeing 767-300, according to the airline and tour operators.
Can I book a seat without a package tour?
This is a charter programme run by tour operator Anex mainly for package tours; ask the tour operator directly about seat-only availability.
Sources
- Interfax — 19 August 2026
- Aviation Voice (Sri Lanka) — 27 October 2026
- News First (Sri Lanka) — 31 October 2026
Schedules, flight frequency and tour prices change — check with the airline or your tour operator before booking.
