By: Staff Writer
March 13, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is set to transform Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) into a profitable venture by establishing an aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility. This initiative aims to mitigate the significant financial losses the airport has incurred over the past five years, which amount to Rs. 38.5 billion.
Minister of Ports and Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake, revealed that discussions are ongoing with major international engineering firms to develop the MRO facility. The government has received initial positive responses and is working towards finalizing agreements.
Previously, Sri Lanka invited foreign investors to establish an MRO at Mattala. A consortium from Russia and India was selected for the project, but the final agreements were never signed. In addition to the MRO facility, the government has also secured approvals for other airport-related activities, such as aircraft parking, cargo transshipment, and aircraft dismantling.
The development plan includes an initial investment of $50 million to improve MRIA’s infrastructure. The airport, which was built at a cost of Rs. 36.5 billion, is strategically located around 30 km from Hambantota Port, a major Chinese-built maritime hub.
A previous government in 2021 had proposed several initiatives to attract more traffic to Mattala Airport, including setting up an MRO unit, a transit hotel, and expanding duty-free services. These efforts were aimed at increasing airport utilization and making MRIA a key player in the region’s aviation sector.
The proposed MRO facility is expected to capitalize on the airport’s ample space and strategic location, positioning Mattala as a competitive hub for aircraft and engine repairs. SriLankan Airlines already operates an MRO facility at Bandaranaike International Airport, providing C-checks and other services to multiple airlines. However, Mattala’s larger area offers an opportunity to expand such operations on a broader scale.
Over the past year, Mattala Airport has already seen some business growth in areas such as aircraft layovers and crew changes. The government is also considering establishing a transit hotel within the airport premises to cater to tourists and airline crew with extended layovers or long connection times.
In addition to aviation services, MRIA is planning to enhance its commercial offerings. The duty-free section will be expanded beyond beverages, confectionery, and perfumes to include a wider range of Sri Lankan products. The airport will also develop its café and restaurant facilities to attract not only air passengers but also travelers passing through the area.
Authorities aim to leverage MRIA’s proximity to popular tourist destinations such as Kataragama and Yala National Park to attract more visitors. By promoting the airport as a convenient gateway for tourists, the government hopes to further boost revenue and ensure the long-term success of the project.
Currently, several international airlines, including SriLankan Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Emirates, IndiGo, Maldives Air, Turkish Airlines, and China Eastern, operate occasional or seasonal flights to MRIA. The government’s goal is to increase traffic through the airport, making it a key aviation and tourism hub in the region.
