Premium experience for high-income airline passengers at BIA

19 August 2022 10:56 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 16 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) opened the "Golden Route" arrival lounge yesterday to provide a premium airport experience for high-end passengers who travel through the airport.

The new route was declared open by the Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister, Nimal Siripala de Silva and he said this new service will contribute to earning additional foreign currency for the country.

He said international airports provide exclusive passenger services for their premium passengers, especially for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) who are looking for premium services at airports.

High-income airline passengers can access this route without queuing to perform airport formalities such as immigration and Emigration activities, customs checks, food, and communication needs that can be fulfilled swiftly.

At present, the BIA offers only the Silk Route Service facility for commercially-important passengers on a fee-payment basis, which does not target the HNWIs.

US$50 per passenger is currently charged to avail Silk Route facilities.

This new service will contribute to earning additional foreign currency for the country.

At the Gold Route lounge, guests can experience a swift check-in process including Customs, Immigration and Emigration, and all other formalities. The new service facility will be offered to passengers at US$200 (per arrival or departure) and reservations can be made through www.airport.lk. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)

Comments - 16

Reza Friday, 19 August 2022 11:25 AM

$200 a passenger, who made money of getting such a lounge done ? Looks cheap and ugly. Who will use when emirates and others have lounges? Hence this has to be first class level lounge with the finest Alcohol and food? Such a waste of tax payer money and the mister and officials who were involved should be charged.

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Tissa Fernando Friday, 19 August 2022 11:52 AM

This was already in operation until they refused to accommodate Basil. Every damn minister is waisting money and time in unnecessary ceremonies for things which are basic services else where.

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Tissa Fernando Friday, 19 August 2022 11:56 AM

USD 50 was reasonably OK but USD 200 is too much. With USD 50 you will get 50 passengers availing the service and with USD 200 charge you may just get 1 or 2 passengers which is not going to be sufficient to pay the salaries of those manning this service. We will have a lot of freeloaders from the government too using this service.

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Sokrates Friday, 19 August 2022 12:02 PM

It's of no interest to see all those crooks and other officials. It would be interesting to see the equipment and furnishings in this lounge

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naki-maina Friday, 19 August 2022 12:08 PM

Premium experience.. LOL Gon Siripala, go and see Mogadishu airport in Somalia... !! You have long way to go halloo

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Ranga Friday, 19 August 2022 12:12 PM

Still looks something from 70s or 80s

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Tom jones Friday, 19 August 2022 01:09 PM

Minister Siripala Silwa has not fallen asleep today. He is wide awake because “ Dollars Coming”.

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Terrence Friday, 19 August 2022 01:15 PM

Maybe the Golden Route was opened to Welcome the President of the Splendors of Disaster and to the Genius of the Carbonic Fertilizer Disaster

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Chris Friday, 19 August 2022 02:53 PM

You are damn right. Too much of a coincidence. The timing is perfect. From the airport he will vanish.

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Nish Friday, 19 August 2022 01:30 PM

This is bullshit. Who wants to waste US$200 on a crazy substandard airport? Have these officials travelled the world. People; you don't charge to attract high end ppassengers. It should be the reverse. Another dumb thing by a dumb Minister accused of corruption. Wonder of Asia governed by a dumb lot!.

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Kumar Friday, 19 August 2022 02:02 PM

What the hell this? Asking 200 dollars for get better service in the airport? This is already provided by Europe airports anyway with no charge. Rather than training your staff on higher level you increase money. This is perfect example that you guys have no brain. Economy will not go up with this attitude, definitely will go down. Please someone send all the politicians to go home.

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Prasath Friday, 19 August 2022 02:22 PM

Priced 200 USD is to stop outsiders using the facility. This is specially made for Free Loaders --politicians and govt servants.

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vithura Friday, 19 August 2022 02:55 PM

The problem is that there are too many loungers amongst airport staff. Make the whole process of getting in and out of the airport more efficient and have more restaurants at their airport of which there is one at present with crappy food and beverages at exorbitant prices.

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M Fernando Friday, 19 August 2022 04:08 PM

Getting things ready to welcome former President!

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Mr Haha Friday, 19 August 2022 06:35 PM

I agree with the minister totally.It is the the golden route for the illegal gold transfer.The most suitable name.Well done minister.

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Tissa Fernando Friday, 19 August 2022 11:29 PM

@Kumar says that the service at Europe airports is better, he has probably not travelled to Europe to say this. If you get your baggage at those airports you would be lucky. There are long queues and delays at those airports. Don't be a boot licker Kumar

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