New blueprint targets long-stalled Mattala Airport
The Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) is in a phase of aggressive revival, using financial incentives and new management models to explore its potential as a significant aviation hub in Sri Lanka, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Janitha Kodituwakku said.
The aim is to turn MRIA into a profitable venture, continuing past efforts with a new approach with a strategic push to transform the underutilised airport into a profitable hub,
It is being promoted as a fully capable airport of handling increased traffic, even managing weather-related diversions, he pointed out adding that the airport currently serves tourist charter flights, he added.
The airport, funded by the China EXIM Bank, has incurred losses, with loan repayments expected to conclude by 2030.
A US$60 departure tax has been waived until June 2026 to attract more airlines and travellers, making full use of its features of a long runway (3,500 metres) capable of handling large aircraft like the Airbus A380, a senior ministry official revealed.
The airport will be promoted as a convenient gateway to nearby tourist destinations like Kataragama and Yala National Park.
A transit hotel to cater to tourists and crew with layovers is under consideration. Enhancements for cargo handling are also part of the proposed improvements
The new commercial plan includes expanding the duty-free section to offer a wider range of Sri Lankan products, upgrading café and restaurant facilities, he said.
Airlines such as Russia’s Red Wings are expected to continue seasonal charter operations.
Discussions are underway to use the extensive land outside the main airport premises for non-aviation projects, such as solar power generation, to generate additional revenue.
Opportunities for aviation training facilities will be explored, with a sub plan of attracting investment for fuel supply operations is part of the plan, he disclosed.
The government is set to call for new Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for restructuring and developing the MRIA under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
A Cabinet Memorandum is expected to present before the ministers for approval soon, aiming to involve private investors in operations and mitigate losses, following previous failed attempts to find partners.
This follows past failed attempts by previous governments to privatise or partner with foreign firms for the Chinese-funded airport.
A deal with Russia’s Airports of Regions and India’s Shaurya Aeronautics was approved by the previous government but fell apart after the Attorney General advised changes, and one party faced sanctions, making the project a “non-event”.
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