Int’l flight operations to begin from Ratmalana Airport from January 29

The discussion headed by State Minister D.V. Chanaka

• Two airlines based in India and Maldives have already agreed to launch regional international flights from Ratmalana

State Minister of Aviation and Export Zones Development, D.V. Chanaka said international flights would commence from Ratmalana airport from the 29th of this month. 

In particular, flights from South India, Male and Bangladesh via India to Ratmalana will be based in the Ratmalana Airport.

This was revealed during a discussion on the development of Ratmalana Airport held at the State Ministry of Aviation and Export Zones Development.  Secretary to the Ministry Janaka Chandragupta, Chairman of Airports and Aviation Retired Major General G.A. Chandrasiri, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority Upul Dharmadasa and Director General Captain Themiya Abeywickrama were also present at the discussion.

Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana was established in 1938 and regional international flights were not operational due to the commencement of flights from Katunayake International Airport in 1968. 
Minister Chanaka said steps have already been taken to launch new regional international flights using the resources available at the Ratmalana Airport.  

President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has stated in his policy statement that Sri Lanka would be developed as a regional aviation hub.

Accordingly, two airlines have already agreed to launch regional international flights based in India and the Maldives. He said talks are also underway with several other airlines. The State Ministry of Aviation and Export Zones Development has taken steps to develop the Ratmalana International Airport in several key areas. It is also being developed as a local aviation hub, recreational aviation hub and aviation training centre. 

In addition, measures will be taken to promote the bringing of private jets to Sri Lanka targeting high income earners and to meet the requirements of technical and parking services of private jets such as jet refueling.
Meanwhile, promotions are expected to be launched at Ratmalana Airport for international commercial and corporate flights as well as private jet operations.  Ratmalana Airport also has facilities for technical and parking services for private jets and refueling.