Among the three international airports in Sri Lanka, the recently reopened Palali International Airport in Jaffna has emerged as a vital travel hub, especially for the Northern diaspora. Currently operating flights between Sri Lanka and India, the airport is frequently used by individuals who migrated from the Northeast due to conflict and have since acquired foreign citizenship.
As with other airports, Palali International conducts standard passport checks, dividing passengers into two groups: domestic citizens and foreign nationals. However, travelers who were originally Sri Lankan citizens but have since obtained foreign citizenship undergo more thorough data checks, reportedly for national security purposes.
These enhanced procedures have led to growing frustration among passengers. According to reports, verifying a single passenger’s data can take 20 to 25 minutes. When entire families travel, the process can take up to an hour, leading to tension between travelers and immigration officials and causing operational strain on staff.
A study by Lanka News Web revealed that these delays are partially due to the timing of data synchronization work, which is conducted every morning at the Colombo Immigration and Emigration Headquarters—coinciding with Palali Airport’s peak travel hours. Officials at the airport suggest that moving this process to evenings or nights could significantly reduce wait times.
In addition to delays, communication has become another source of concern. A large number of Tamil-speaking passengers use Palali Airport, yet key departments such as customs are often staffed by officials who do not speak Tamil. This language barrier is causing significant difficulty for travelers attempting to navigate procedures.
Authorities are being urged to address these issues promptly, ensuring smoother travel experiences while respecting passengers’ rights and freedoms.
