BIA turns Rs. 22 b profit in first eight months: Minister

• Asserts portion of profit worth Rs. 10 b already transferred to Treasury
• Says surge in passenger traffic contributed to BIA’s financial boost
• BIA handled over 650,000 passengers in August  
• Highlights Jaffna International Airport continue to display success with completing 200 flights 
• Reveals strategic initiative underway to attract potential investors to Mattala airport

Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said the country’s main airport – Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake has made a profit of Rs. 22 billion during the first eight months of 2023.

Speaking to journalists at the President Media Centre (PMC) on Monday revealed that the Treasury has already received a portion of the profit worth Rs. 10 billion.

“The BIA handled over 650,000 passengers in August. This surge in passenger traffic has contributed significantly to its financial enhancement,” the Minister added.

He also said efforts were made to increase the frequency of flights by different airlines operating in Sri Lanka, contributing to improved connectivity and accessibility for travellers. 

As per the Minister, Qatar Airways provides an impressive 35 weekly flights, Emirates currently operates 28 flights per week, Air India operates 17 flights, Air Arabia operates 11 flights, China Eastern Air operates five flights weekly, Etihad operates six flights and Jazeera Air conducts four flights per week. 

In addition, he said that several other airlines have expressed their commitment to commence operations in Sri Lanka.

Minister de Silva also highlighted that the operations at Jaffna International Airport continue to demonstrate remarkable success. “The flight operations between Chennai and Jaffna, which are scheduled three times a week, have already completed 200 flights, underscoring the airport's increasing prominence and efficiency,” he said.

The Minister revealed that a strategic initiative is currently underway to attract potential investors to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA).

“The Mattala Airport is currently the target of a strategic drive to draw in potential investors. Actions were taken to actively reduce the airport's operational losses, assuring its long-term viability and financial stability,” he added.