• Govt. launches tender process for 2-year terminal construction project
• Proposed runway extension under study; feasibility results pending
• Airport to remain under State management, unlike MRIA’s previous arrangements
• New facility fully funded by Govt. to boost regional connectivity

The Jaffna International Airport is set to receive a new terminal building, with a potential runway expansion currently under consideration.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku said that they had commenced the tender process to identify a contractor for the construction of a new terminal building at the Jaffna International Airport in Palaly.

“A new terminal building will be constructed at the Jaffna International Airport. We are presently in the tendering process,” he stated.

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. 

While he acknowledged that it was premature to specify a definitive timeline, he expressed optimism that the new terminal could be completed within two years.

The Deputy Minister further disclosed that the Government was planning to extend the runway at the airport. 

However, he clarified that no formal procurement process had yet been initiated, as the project remained in its preliminary phase, adding that they were still awaiting the results of the feasibility study launched to assess the viability of the proposed expansion.

Responding to a query from The Sunday Morning Business, Kodithuwakku confirmed that the Government had no intention of handing over the management of the Jaffna International Airport to an external party, unlike the previous administration’s approach with the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA). 

He emphasised that the Jaffna International Airport would remain under Government control.

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.