Domestic airports to commence new operations from Oct.

• Minister expects first international flight to Palaly by October
• Govt. awaits Indian approval for Mattala airport agreement
• Fees to fly over Sri Lankan airspace to be increased

By Nuwan Senarathna

The first phase of improving three domestic airports for regional commercial flights will be completed by October, Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said yesterday.  

Transport and Civil Aviation  Minister Arjuna Ranatunga

Palaly, Batticaloa, and Ratmalana airports will be developed under this initiative to handle domestic flights, which will promote tourism. However, the Batticaloa and Ratmalana airports will only handle domestic flights, with Palaly to tackle flights from South India. 

Speaking to media at the Government Information Department, Minister Ranatunga said aircraft with seating capacity for 80 passengers will be used at the first phase of the project to assess feasibility.

“We are looking to improve the condition of the Palaly airport, so that it can be used to handle international flights. The Palaly airport will handle flights from South India, which will reduce flight times and attract tourists,” he said.

Under the first phase, the Government will invest Rs. 2 billion and improve the runway at the Palaly airport, which will enable A320 flights to land, Ranatunga said. However, Customs and other services will only be permanently established if large numbers of passengers use the airport under the first phase.  

“Once the Palaly airport is developed, people in the North will not have to travel to BIA to fly to India, which is more convenient for them. But the process will take time, as we will commence the second and third phases after an assessment of the first phase, or go back to the drawing board.”

Meanwhile, Airport and Aviation Services of Sri Lanka (AASL) Chairman Dammika Ranatunga said under the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), new regulatory requirements are needed for the three domestic airports to become upgraded to handle regional flights.  

“To function as a regional airport, the Palaly airport will need terminals to contain duty-free shops, Immigration offices, Customs offices, and these facilities still need to be built,” Ranatunga said.

Referring to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), Minister Ranatunga said the Government was awaiting approval from the Indian Government on the way forward.

“We have changed the initial proposal of the MRIA agreement, and the country will have 51% of shares, while the Indian government will have the rest. The Indian Government has shown positive signs, and we are waiting for their feedback.”

He noted the fee charged to fly over Sri Lankan airspace will be increased, after considering fees charged by other countries in the region. According to Ranatunga, the fee charges to fly over Sri Lanka has not increased during the past few years, therefore the fee needs to be adjusted with current rates, which will generate income for the country.