Four international airlines to start services to Sri Lanka’s Mattala Airport
Sri Lanka’s State Minister for Aviation D.V. Chanaka has said that four international airlines have agreed to commence scheduled flights to the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), the country’s southern province, with discussions ongoing with several other airlines.
“Four international airlines have officially agreed to start scheduled operations to MRIA, including an Abu Dhabi – Mattala flight,” the State Minister has told the media.
Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers has approved a special incentive package to attract international airlines to MRIA where airport immigration tax has been waived for two years from the date of the commencement of operations by airlines, whilst landing charges and parking fees will be waived for four years.
“The special incentives package announced by the Government was timely. It made Mattala more attractive to airlines as their businesses were highly impacted by the pandemic,” Chanaka has added.
OSL take:
The international airlines operating flights to Sri Lanka have announced an increase in the weekly flights operated to the country while others have expressed interest in commencing flights to the island. These moves are indicative of the continuously increasing numbers of foreign travellers to the country – tourists, business travellers and Sri Lankan expatriates. Sri Lanka has become a popular post Covid travel destination since the country’s airports have received the internationally recognised safety and hygiene certifications. The increase in foreign travellers to the country is also indicative of a steady growth in the country’s leisure and hospitality sectors. Given the resilience shown by Sri Lanka’s economy in the height of the pandemic and increase in travellers arriving in the country, foreign businesses/investors could explore the growing business potential in the island.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/08102021/Z_2 |