In an effort to alleviate the current severe congestion at Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), which is experiencing nearly 25,000 passenger arrivals and departures a day, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited has opted to swiftly construct a prefabricated terminal.

This interim solution aims to mitigate the congestion, until the completion of the ongoing construction of the second terminal.

According to a statement from the Ports, Shipping and Aviation Ministry, the prefabricated terminal initiative is projected to cost approximately Rs.15 billion and is anticipated to be completed within a span of six months.

Following the completion of the second terminal’s construction at BIA, the prefabricated terminal will be repurposed for domestic flight operations.On August 23, 2023, Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva conducted an on-site inspection of the construction site to oversee the progress firsthand.

Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited Chairman Major General (Rtd.) G.A. Chandrasiri and several other officials also participated in the occasion.

De Silva said with the prefabricated terminal, Sir Lanka would be able to handle the surge in traffic to BIA, until the second terminal comes into operation.

He also said the funds to be utilised for the construction of prefabricated terminal would be borne by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited.

DN