Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, on Monday (13) conducted a test landing on a 850-metre section of the runway at the Hingurakgoda Airport to check the upgrade of the runway to accommodate civilian jet airliners.
Rajapaksa, landed an AirForce Y-12II aircraft on a 850-metre stretch of the runway which was upgraded under phase one of the project.
The transformation of the Hingurakgoda runway is currently in progress to meet international standards and accommodate widely utilised A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft operations. After extensive consultations with key stakeholders, the SLAF was entrusted with the design and construction of the runway. The Road Development Authority (RDA) has been assigned to review SLAF’s designs and provide consultations, while the Civil Aviation Authority and Airports and Aviation Sri Lanka will issue essential guidelines and regulatory frameworks through a cabinet memorandum.
The project was officially inaugurated on 19 August 2024, by the Special Project Management Unit of the SLAF. The plan is divided into four distinct phases, with the first phase focusing on the construction of the main runway. This phase includes seven stages and the initial allocation of funds facilitated the completion of stages one and two, resulting in the asphalt binder course for 850-metres of the total 2,500-metre runway.
Prior to proceeding with the final asphalt wearing course, the RDA consultant team recommended conducting a test landing on the completed 850-metre section. The test landing was conducted on that basis. The event was attended by the Director of the Special Project Management Unit, Air Vice Marshal Sumedha Silva and the Base Commander of SLAF Base Hingurakgoda, Air Commodore Dinesh Jayaweera.
The next stage of construction, which involves extending the runway by another 850 metres, is scheduled to begin on 15 January. With approval granted by the President, the project aims to complete the full 2,500-metre runway, ensuring it meets the operational requirements of larger aircraft.