PM to ceremonially open JICA-supported new apron and taxiway at BIA today

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will declare open today the newly-constructed apron and taxiway constructed as part of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Expansion Project.

The construction of the new apron and taxiway, undertaken by Hazama Ando Corporation Japan, has added 210,000 square meters, bringing the total area of the apron to 479,000 square meters. 

The number of existing parking stand of 25 has also been increased to 48. 

Furthermore, a new storm water drainage system, including a retention pond, is also constructed. 
The expansion was facilitated with the loan extended by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), 

under the Special Terms for Economic Partnership, with an interest per annum of 0.1 percent.

The JICA’s total financing for the expansion of BIA is about Rs.110 billion (for both components). Japan, through the JICA, has been partnering with the Sri Lankan government for developing BIA for nearly four decades since 1980. 

Sri Lanka has been offered a repayment period of 40 years, under which the two nations will look at promoting technology transfer, building quality infrastructure and boosting economic cooperation.

Coming up in 2024 is the new passenger terminal building, which is currently under progress and constructed by Taisei Corporation Japan.

The terminal building is being developed on the ‘Eco-Airport’ concept, with Japanese advanced technology and know-how. The concept includes rainwater harvesting for the landscaping work and recycled water from the sewerage treatment plant for flushing toilets, photovoltaic power generation, solar energy harvesting, LED lighting and energy-efficient glazing, among other features.

“With these new facilities, airport operation functions such as parking, unloading or loading, refuelling, maintenance will be significantly improved,” the JICA said.

Commenting on the ongoing expansion of BIA, Aviation and Export Zones Development State Minister D.V. Chanaka said the efforts that have taken place thus far and those that would roll out in the near future would be “a turning point in the field of air travel in Sri Lanka, as the country is progressing towards fulfilling its aspirations of becoming an aviation hub in the South Asian region.

“It is a fact that will contribute not only to the tourism industry but directly to the improvement of the process of manufacture and export. Required steps have already been taken to transform the airport into the best in the region and it has been ensured that the airport is rich in every sector,” said Chanaka in a statement to the media yesterday.

He added that the intention of the Aviation and Export Zone Development Ministry is to ensure that the airport contributes to the strengthening of the national economy and that every air passenger is able to reach his or her destination without any inconvenience.

The ceremonial opening of the new apron and taxiway will also be graced by Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mizukoshi Hideaki, Youth and Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa, Chanaka, JICA Chief Representative Yamada Tetsuya and Airport Aviation Sri Lanka Limited Chairman Major General (Rtd.) G.A. Chandrasiri, alongside other officials. .