PETITION: Bring Direct Flights to Jaffna

Help Connect British Tamils with Family in Northern Sri Lanka

We are calling for a direct flight service between London and Jaffna International Airport.

British Tamils have strong family, cultural and community ties to Northern Sri Lanka. For many families in Harrow and across the UK, travelling to Jaffna means visiting relatives, attending weddings and funerals, taking part in religious festivals, and maintaining family connections across generations.

There are currently no direct flights between London and Jaffna.

Passengers can fly direct to Colombo, but must then travel a further 400kms, taking approximately six to seven hours by road or rail, to reach Jaffna. This additional journey can be particularly difficult for elderly passengers, families with young children, and those travelling for important family occasions.

A Direct Flight Would: 

• Make journeys between London and Jaffna quicker and easier

• Help families stay connected across generations

• Make travel more accessible for elderly relatives

• Support cultural, religious and community ties

• Make it easier to attend weddings, funerals and family events

• Support tourism, investment and economic development in Northern Sri Lanka

We are calling on the UK Government, Sri Lankan authorities, airlines and London airports to work together to explore and support a viable direct flight service between London and Jaffna.