Mattala Emerges As Alternative Aviation Hub Amid Regional Conflict; Airlines Seek Free Landing

COLOMBO (News 1st): Deputy Minister of Ports and Aviation, Ruwan Kodithuwakku says that amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, several airlines have requested permission to use Mattala International Airport without paying landing fees.

According to the Deputy Minister, the request had been made by Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Gulf-based airlines. He added that in response to the growing demand, Turkish Airlines has increased its flight frequency to Katunayake.

Discussions commenced last week on positioning Mattala International Airport as an alternative aviation transit hub, as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.

The airport has drawn attention due to its location away from conflict zones and its capability to handle the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, making it the only airport in Sri Lanka equipped for such operations.

Through this initiative, the government aims to capture emerging business opportunities arising from the Middle East Situation, while also boosting Sri Lanka’s economy and supporting the tourism sector, which has been significantly impacted.

The move is also intended to further strengthen the country’s growing tourism industry and help recover losses caused by the downturn linked to the Middle East situation.