Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Airport turns Rs. 22 billion profits in first eight months
Daily FT: 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) recently, he 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 travelers.
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.
OSL take:
The steady growth in foreign travelers to the country and the increase in air traffic have resulted in an overall growth in Sri Lanka’s airport and aviation industry. This in turn has expanded business/investment opportunities in the airport and aviation industry. The government of Sri Lanka has launched a programmed to expand operations of the country’s main airport, the Bandaranaike International Airport, while also looking at upgrading regional airports in the country with the aim of developing accessibility within the country that could support trade, investments and tourism. With Sri Lanka working towards becoming an emerging business destination in the South Asian region and the expanding economic activities, foreign businesses/investors could explore the expanding business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s airport and aviation industry.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20231017/Z_8 |