The Sri Lankan Government  has initiated preliminary discussions with both Emirates and Qatar Airways, with the intent of offering Sri Lanka’s Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) as an alternative hub for the foreseeable future.

Both airlines have reportedly “expressed strong interest” in moving some of their operations to the southern Sri Lankan Airport. Though the billion dollar airport opened back in 2013, it has unfortunately seen very little commercial service.

Sri Lanka hopes that such a setup could provide a vital economic lifeline to the country, especially as the current situation in the Middle East has caused a steep decline in tourism to Sri Lanka, due to flight cancellations.