Sri Lanka Plans Major BIA Expansion to Handle 24.2 Million Passengers Annually by 2055
Sri Lanka has launched an ambitious long-term development programme to expand the passenger handling capacity and operational efficiency of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, with authorities targeting the ability to serve 24.2 million passengers annually by 2055.
The development plans were discussed during a special meeting chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat, where progress of projects under the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation and proposals for the 2027 Budget were reviewed.
The meeting examined the performance and future plans of several key institutions, including the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited, SriLankan Airlines, SriLankan Catering, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, and other aviation and maritime sector organisations.
BIA Expansion to Meet Future Aviation Demand
A major focus of the discussions was the long-term expansion strategy for Bandaranaike International Airport, which is expected to be completed within three years and designed to meet Sri Lanka’s aviation requirements for the next three decades.
Under the second phase of the Bandaranaike International Airport Development Project, authorities plan to:
- Expand existing arrival and departure terminals
- Construct a new passenger terminal building
- Upgrade airport facilities
- Expand depot and operational areas
The project is expected to significantly improve passenger handling capacity and enhance the overall airport experience.
President Dissanayake also highlighted the need to improve transportation services connecting the airport with surrounding areas to provide greater convenience for passengers.
Airport Services to be Fully Digitalised
Officials informed the President that steps are being taken with the support of the Ministry of Digital Affairs to fully digitalise airport services.
The initiative aims to improve passenger convenience, reduce delays, and strengthen service delivery through technology-based solutions.
Development of Regional Airports
The meeting also focused on improving domestic aviation facilities, including the development of Hingurakgoda Airport.
President Dissanayake instructed officials to establish a more efficient system for civil passenger operations through coordination with the Sri Lanka Air Force.
The Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation and the Air Force were also directed to jointly assess the requirements of each airport and prepare a comprehensive report.
Mattala Airport Financial Challenges
Meanwhile, officials revealed that Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is currently recording daily losses of between Rs. 6 million and Rs. 7 million, resulting in an estimated annual loss of around Rs. 4 billion.
Several proposals aimed at addressing the airport’s financial challenges were presented during the meeting.
Authorities also stated that investment proposals for Mattala Airport have already been invited, with related processes expected to be completed by 2027.
Jaffna Airport Upgrade Underway
Officials further informed the meeting that modernisation work has commenced at Jaffna International Airport, including improvements to its passenger terminal and other facilities to increase capacity and enhance services.
Focus on Sustainable State-Owned Development
President Dissanayake stressed that state institutions must make maximum use of their own financial resources while effectively managing funding requirements for future development projects.
He emphasised that infrastructure projects should not create an additional financial burden on taxpayers and that state institutions should contribute towards strengthening government revenue while achieving sustainable growth.
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