Mattala and Ratmalana airports approved to provide services to airlines

• Refuelling, technical landings, and crew resting facilities for international flights and corporate jets green-lighted

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAASL) yesterday granted approval for the Mattala and Ratmalana international airports to carry out technical landings, refuelling and crew rest options for all international airlines and corporate jets. 

As per the directive issued by CAASL Chairman Upul Dharmadasa, airline crew rest will be permitted on the following conditions. 

1. Crew members shall obtain their rest at a predetermined nearest hotel to the relevant airport and shall maintain self-quarantine at the respective hotel.

2. It is not mandatory to provide a ‘corona-free medical certificate’ in respect of each crew member operating the flight.

3. At entry and until they exit Sri Lanka, the crew is required to adhere to the following procedures detailed by the Quarantine Unit – Ministry of Health Sri Lanka and CAASL. 

4. Crew shall undergo thermal scanning at the airport.

5. Crew shall hand over the duly completed health declaration form to the Airport Health Office. After the necessary health clearance, the crew will be permitted to enter Sri Lanka

6. Crew is strictly instructed to self-quarantine in their rooms at the location mentioned in the health declaration form (predetermined hotel) and have meals only through in-room dining until they operate the next flight out of the airport to their planned destinations under strict instructions given by the Ministry of Health and CAASL.

7. Crew shall wear a mask when entering the airport and also when in contact with others in the country.

8. Each crew member shall maintain a distance of at least one metre with others.

9. Crew shall practice hygienic measures, including washing hands properly.

10. Crew shall be transported by an identified vehicle and vehicle cleaning measures shall be carried out by relevant agencies.

11. Technical and cabin crew who arrive on flights other than the scheduled passenger flights to Sri Lanka should follow the procedures and hygienic measures adopted by the Government. 

CAASL said all international airports in Sri Lanka should be maintained to public health standards according to ‘CAASL General Direction 010’.