Jaffna International Airport to Receive Gradual Upgrade, Minister Confirms
The Jaffna International Airport will be gradually upgraded under a structured business plan, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayaka assured Parliament on Tuesday (20).
Responding to a question from Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) MP S. Shritharan, the Minister said the government is planning to extend the airport runway before the middle of next year. This extension aims to allow aircraft carrying around 130 passengers to land.
Limited Expansion Due to Financial Constraints
Minister Rathnayaka clarified that major expansion projects were not feasible due to financial limitations. He explained that the airport will not be upgraded to handle large wide-body aircraft like at the Mattala International Airport. Instead, efforts will focus on practical improvements that ensure cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
Avoiding Another Mattala Scenario
The Minister stressed that the government is determined to make the Jaffna International Airport a “success story,” unlike the Mattala Airport, which he said consumes significant funds, mostly generated by the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).
Measures to Attract Airlines
Rathnayaka further noted that the government would consider reducing the embarkation fee to attract more airlines to operate at Jaffna Airport in the future.
The gradual upgrade, according to the Minister, is aimed at positioning Jaffna International Airport as a functional and sustainable regional airport that meets passenger demand without becoming a financial burden.
