Sri Lanka’s Batticaloa Domestic Airport to handle civilian air traffic connecting east with other parts of the country
The Sri Lankan government has taken steps to commence civilian flights to the Batticaloa Domestic Airport from Sunday (25) which will enable direct air connectivity for passengers between Sri Lanka’s east and other parts of the country.
The Batticaloa Domestic Airport had initially commenced operations under the Department of Civil Aviation in 1958 and had been used by the military for its operation for nearly three decades during the war.
According to reports, the government has spent nearly Rs. 1,400 million for the renovation of the airport after its operations and maintenance were vested with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) from May 2016.
A special flight carrying President Maithripala Sirisena, Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva accompanied with other state officials had landed in the Batticaloa Domestic Airport on Sunday launching the civilian air service to the east.
The President has also opened the passenger terminal building at the airport.
Meanwhile, reports also state that the Transport and Civil Aviation Ministry is planning to launch a flying school within the airport premises.
OSL take:
The Sri Lankan government in its 2018 Budget has agreed to develop the country’s domestic aviation sector and set up domestic airports as well. The opening of the Batticaloa Domestic Airport for civil aviation is another step in the direction. This would open up many investment opportunities in the civil aviation sector as well as the tourism and leisure sector.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20180327/Z_4 |