National carrier wins Visitors’ Choice Award and is the only international airline honoured at SATA’s 10th anniversary edition 

SriLankan Airlines has won the Visitors’ Choice Award for Leading International Airline at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026. The ceremony took place in the Maldives on 7 and 8 October 2026. 

This year SATA celebrated its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, the awards have become one of the region’s leading platforms for recognising excellence in travel and tourism, bringing together hoteliers, airlines, destination authorities and tourism leaders from across South Asia. 

SriLankan Airlines was the only international airline recognised at this year’s awards. The Visitors’ Choice category reflects the votes of travellers and the travelling public, which makes the win a direct endorsement from the people the airline serves. 

The award comes as Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its position as a destination for global travellers. As the national carrier, SriLankan Airlines plays a central role in bringing visitors to the island and showcasing its culture, cuisine and hospitality to the world.