MRIA, alternate aerodrome to BIA [March 16 2013]

The Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, while serving as an alternate aerodrome to the Bandaranaike International Airport, would bring more business ventures to the region.

This will reduce unnecessary congestion to Colombo and the suburbs. The tourism and hospitality industries would flourish with the integrated development of the port and airport in the South. Considering the economic development of the Southern region, it was forecast that over 500,000 passengers would use this airport in 2028 i.e. after 15 years since the commencement of its operations.

The forecast cargo volume is 50,000 metric tons and air traffic volume is 6,250 operations per annum.

To cater to these requirements, a runway of 3,500m in length and 60m in width, which will accommodate code 4F aircraft has been built. A taxiway of 370 m in length and 60 m in width, an apron with 10 parking positions has been constructed for the new airport. These are the primary civil aviation infrastructure required for an airport of international standard.

A 10,000 square metre passenger terminal building, 1,000 square metre cargo building and a 35 m air traffic control tower are the key elements of this new airport. Modern equipment will comprise the air navigation system. A dual lane ground access system to the airport will be available from Hambantota, Embilipitiya, and Thanamalwila. The project construction period was from 2008 to 2012 while the funding sources were the Government of Sri Lanka and the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd.