Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd., yesterday said the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake will be reopened for visitors from today.

“We have decided to allow one person to accompany the passenger at the arrival and departure terminals as well as at the lobby area of the airport,” Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. Chairman Rtd. Major General G.A. Chandrasiri told the Daily FT.

On 28 January, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. announced that all visitors except passengers have been prohibited from entering the BIA premises until further notice, in a bid to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

Following a study conducted by the management on how best they could manage the crowd at the BIA premises, the decision was made.

“We found that people were having trouble in receiving and dispatching visitors at the arrival and departure terminals, and also outside the airport premises. Considering what other airports are practicing, we conducted a study and found that we are in a position now to best manage the crowd with minimal room for the spread of COVID-19,” he said.

He also said that BIA has taken all measures to fight the COVID-19 challenge. “All passengers are being screened thoroughly, and the airport is now geared with cleanliness programs,” he added.

The visitors will have to purchase a ticket worth Rs. 300 and these ticket counters will also be made available from today.

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