Colombo and Jaffna Air Travels – Expansion of Flights to Strengthen Tourism and Improve Connectivity
Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation is making strides to increase domestic air travel between Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake and Jaffna International Airport (JIA) in Palaly, as part of a broader plan to enhance regional connectivity and foster domestic tourism.
Increased Flights to Improve Access for Northern Residents
Minister of Transport, Bimal Rathnayake, recently outlined plans to expand flight offerings between BIA and JIA. Speaking during an inspection of JIA, Rathnayake highlighted that residents of the northern region, particularly Jaffna, currently face the inconvenience of traveling to Katunayake for international flights. The new plans aim to reduce travel time significantly for both business and leisure travelers, improving accessibility between the capital region and the northern parts of the island.
“This initiative is especially designed for domestic tourists in Sri Lanka,” Rathnayake explained, emphasizing that it would provide more efficient travel options for locals and strengthen tourism in the region.
Jaffna Airport Development Key to Expansion
Central to the success of this project is the further development of Jaffna International Airport. Rathnayake stressed that enhancing the airport’s facilities and capacity would be crucial in accommodating increased traffic as flights to and from Jaffna become more frequent.
In addition to improving the infrastructure of the airport itself, the expanded route network is expected to generate positive economic impacts for the region, offering more travel options and boosting local businesses.
Amending Aviation Laws to Support Domestic Operations
As part of the initiative, the Ministry is considering amendments to existing aviation laws. The aim is to make them more suitable for domestic flights and encourage private sector involvement in regional aviation. By adapting the legal framework, the government hopes to create opportunities for private aircraft owners and companies to operate flights within the country, which could increase competition and provide additional services to passengers.
Rathnayake believes that this will allow private entities to profit from domestic operations, benefiting the people by offering more flexible and accessible travel options. He noted that these changes could help unlock new avenues for regional tourism and contribute to economic development across Sri Lanka.
A Step Forward for Sri Lanka’s Regional Aviation
The proposed expansion of domestic air travel between BIA and JIA is poised to significantly improve connectivity and accessibility for residents and visitors alike. By focusing on infrastructure development, legal reforms, and greater private sector involvement, Sri Lanka aims to foster a vibrant regional aviation sector that supports economic growth and enhances the country’s tourism potential.
Visit Useful Links
- Jaffna International Airport
- Jaffna International Airport – Welcoming the 1st International Airport after 47 years
