Sri Lanka looks at BIA-Jaffna air connectivity to spur domestic tourism
The Morning: Sri Lanka is planning to ramp up domestic air travel between Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake and Jaffna International Airport (JIA) in Palaly, in a move aimed at strengthening domestic tourism and easing travel burdens for northern residents, according to Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake.
Speaking during a recent inspection visit to JIA, the minister said preliminary decisions have been made to increase flights between the two airports. “A preliminary decision has been made, especially for domestic tourists in Sri Lanka. Residents of Jaffna currently travel to Katunayake airport to fly overseas,” Rathnayake stated.
The increased flight offerings are expected to reduce travel time and improve accessibility for both leisure and business travellers between the North and the capital region. The minister emphasised that further development of Jaffna International Airport is central to the initiative.
In tandem with the expanded route plans, Rathnayake noted that amendments to existing aviation laws are being considered to better accommodate domestic operations. “The laws should be adapted to suit domestic flights. If that happens, we believe private aircraft owners and companies in Sri Lanka will be able to bring planes here. They will be able to earn profits while serving the people,” he said.
The proposed changes aim to open up opportunities for private sector involvement in the country’s regional aviation sector, which officials believe could help unlock new avenues for tourism and regional economic development.
OSL take:
Developing internal connectivity is a prerequisite for a country that is targeting on achieving hub status and the focus of the Sri Lankan government to further uplift and develop the internal road and air connectivity adds to Sri Lanka’s growing attraction as an emerging business destination. While developing the country’s road network, Sri Lanka is looking at developing the domestic aviation business with the aim of enhancing connectivity. It is in such a backdrop that the government is looking at developing the air connectivity between Jaffna and Colombo. All these developments while indicating the growing business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s domestic aviation business, also show the expanding business/investment opportunities in the airport sector. The development of infrastructure and supplementary infrastructure required to meet the increasing demand in expanding domestic air operations also present a host of new business/investment opportunities. With Sri Lanka targeting on achieving hub status in the South Asian region supported by the country’s geographical positioning in the Indian Ocean and the strong trade ties enjoyed with many foreign countries, foreign businesses/investors could confidently explore the growing opportunities in Sri Lanka’s domestic airport and aviation sector.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20250403/Z_1 |