The Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva instructed the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Pvt.) Ltd. authorities to enhance the passenger terminal facilities at Palali Airport which currently functions as an international airport. The Minister extended these instructions following  a special inspection visit at the airport on Monday (16), said issuing a press release. 

Presently, “Alliance Air” operates flights to Palali Airport from Chennai, India, carrying about 60 passengers on a daily basis. India’s “IndiGo” airline is also scheduled to initiate flights between Chennai and Palali in the near future, the press release further said.

In addition to these international connections, domestic flights with four aircrafts from “DP Aviation” departing from Ratmalana Airport and four aircrafts from “Cinnamon Air” departing from Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport are currently being operated on a weekly basis.

The Minister highlighted that due to the anticipated surge in operations, a need for substantial improvements in both the arrival and departure terminals at Palali Airport has arisen. Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Pvt.) Ltd. officials have estimated that the upgrades will require a cost of approximately Rs. 200 million.

The said proposed programme encompasses a comprehensive enhancement of airport infrastructure, including the expansion of existing passenger terminals, the construction of a duty-free shopping complex, enhancements to sanitary facilities, and also improved facilities for immigration and customs officials at the airport.

A group of officials, including Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Pvt.) Ltd. Director Gayan Alagewattege also participated in the inspection tour.