• AASL tasked with study to boost airlines, develop expansion roadmap
• Reduction of embarkation fees under consideration to attract carriers
• Runway expansion critical before new strategies can be rolled out
• Govt. to fund Rs. 600 m terminal project, completion expected in 2 years

The business plan for the expansion of the Jaffna International Airport, including strategies to attract additional airlines, will be finalised by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL) within the next 6–8 months, according to the Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku revealed that the Government had assigned AASL to carry out a study and develop a business plan for the expansion of the Jaffna International Airport and to attract more airlines to it.

He further revealed that they were considering various strategies under the business plan, such as the reduction of embarkation fees to attract airlines to the airport.

Commenting on the reduction of the embarkation fees, he stated: “We haven’t made a final decision with regard to this. We are considering its implementation. 

“We haven’t made a decision on the timeline and other relevant aspects. It will come together with the business plan.”

The Deputy Minister further stated that such strategies would be implemented only once the runway at the Jaffna International Airport in Palaly had been expanded to accommodate larger aircraft.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business earlier this month, Kodithuwakku revealed that they had commenced the tender process to identify a contractor for the construction of a new terminal building at the airport, which they hoped to complete in two years’ time.

He further revealed that the proposed construction of the new terminal building at the airport would be fully funded by the Government and that the project was estimated to cost approximately Rs. 600 million. 

The Jaffna International Airport, formerly known as the Palaly Airport, was established by the British Armed Forces on 359 acres of land in Palaly, with its first flight to India taking place on 10 December 1947.