BIA to triple automated clearance gates to 12

Wednesday, 30 September 2026 00:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Cabinet has approved starting procurement for eight additional automated passenger clearance gates at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), taking the planned total to 12 and paving the way for foreign travellers to use the facility, Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday.

Briefing the media on decisions taken at the Cabinet meeting held on Monday, Dr. Jayatissa said the automated clearance facility, which has so far been limited to Sri Lankan nationals, is expected to be extended to foreign nationals arriving in and departing from the country.

The expansion is planned alongside the introduction of Sri Lanka’s e-passport issuance system in 2027.

The Government said the decision to increase the number of gates also took into account continued growth in air passenger numbers and developments in the tourism and business sectors. The new gates are expected to streamline immigration clearance at the country’s main international airport.

The Cabinet had approved the purchase and installation of four automated passenger clearance gates at BIA in May 2025.

The latest approval was granted on a proposal by the Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry.