The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, the answers to the questions raised by Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi, MP, are as follows:

¶ 02 1. Total air passenger handling in January 2026 is 1,045,994.

¶ 03 2. For the year 2027 it is projected to be 11.68 million, and for 2028 it is projected to be 12.6 million.

¶ 04 3. Yes.

¶ 05 4. With regard to the time frame, we expect to construct the second passenger terminal at Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, in the coming years. Accordingly, we aim to complete that work by 2029. The necessary preparatory work has commenced and it is now in its second phase. However, as I stated earlier, given the expected handling volumes in 2027 and 2028, we cannot wait until 2029. Therefore, we have already planned to further expand the capacities of the first passenger terminal.

¶ 06 In parallel, we have carried out temporary construction and set up the required counters. As I mentioned earlier, along with the expansion of space in the first passenger terminal, we will be able to provide an increased number of counters. In that regard, we have afforded greater opportunity to several airlines and, in parallel, we intend to operate an increased number of flights.

¶ 07 5. Concurrently, we have prepared plans to develop domestic airports. With the increase in tourist arrivals, we expect growth in domestic air services within the country. For that, as a Ministry, we have already held several preliminary discussions on developing the required domestic airport facilities. In particular, there is already a terminal operated by a private entity at Bandaranaike International Airport for domestic air travel. In addition, a preliminary feasibility study is underway to establish an additional dedicated terminal for domestic air services. Likewise, we are carrying out, with the World Bank as well, a feasibility study relating to domestic air services operating across Sri Lanka. We expect to receive that report by the end of next year. Based on its recommendations and findings, we intend to proceed further with domestic air services and the necessary infrastructure development. We are also engaging with private local entities that currently operate domestic air services, identifying their issues and providing structured solutions, so that the required growth can be achieved.

¶ 08 Thank you.