New Skies: Beijing Capital Airlines Launches Direct Flights to Sri Lanka
By Lions Roar Aotearoa Travel & Aviation Desk
KATUNAYAKE, SRI LANKA (Sunday, February 1, 2026) — A new chapter in Sri Lanka-China connectivity opened yesterday as Beijing Capital Airlines officially inaugurated its direct flight service between Beijing and Colombo.
The maiden flight, an Airbus A-330, touched down at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake on Saturday afternoon, greeted by a traditional water cannon salute—a prestigious maritime and aviation honor for new air routes.
✈️ The Maiden Voyage: JD-487
Flight JD-487 departed from the futuristic Beijing Daxing International Airport and arrived in Katunayake at 1:46 PM local time on January 31.
- Passenger Load: The flight carried 170 passengers and a crew of 13.
- The Aircraft: The service utilizes the spacious Airbus A-330, designed for long-haul comfort.
- Flight Duration: The non-stop journey covers the distance in approximately 8 hours.
📅 New Weekly Schedule
Travelers can now expect regular direct connections twice a week. The airline has confirmed the following permanent slots:
- Frequency: Every Tuesday and Saturday.
- Arrival at BIA: 2:20 PM local time.
- Departure from BIA: 4:20 PM local time (heading back to Beijing).
📈 Economic & Tourism Impact
This new route is expected to significantly boost Chinese tourist arrivals, which have been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.
- Direct Access: By connecting Beijing’s Daxing Airport—the world’s largest single-terminal airport—directly to Colombo, the airline eliminates the need for time-consuming transfers in hubs like Singapore or Bangkok.
- Trade Ties: Beyond tourism, the direct cargo capacity of the A-330 will facilitate faster trade of perishables and high-value goods between the two nations.
📊 Beijing Capital Airlines Service Overview
| Detail | Flight Information |
| Flight Number | JD-487 (Arrival) / JD-488 (Departure) |
| Route | Beijing Daxing (PKX) ↔ Katunayake (CMB) |
| Days of Operation | Tuesdays & Saturdays |
| Aircraft Type | Airbus A-330 |
| Flight Time | ~8 Hours |
