SriLankan Airlines plans Mideast expansion amid restructuring

SriLankan Airlines plans to launch new destinations and increase frequencies to the Middle East over the next 2 years amid a govt-led restructuring process. The Sri Lankan govt said earlier this month the carrier will have to restructure, including dropping unprofitable routes, after its liabilities reached US$1b. But with the Middle East one of its highest revenue generating regions, the airline is looking at starting flights to Iran, Jordan and Lebanon, SriLankan Airlines Middle East and Africa regional manager Samantha Nagahawatte said Monday. The carrier is targeting to launch the flights over the next 24 months, Nagahawatte said, though added the airline is yet to commit to a time schedule. Tehran is likely to be launched first. <br/>