MRIA hits historic milestone

2026-02-05 - 10:59

The Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) achieved its highest passenger traffic in 2025 since its inception in 2013, according to the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited (AASL). The airport handled 140,614 passengers and successfully managed 703 international flights over the past year, marking a significant turnaround for the facility. This record-breaking growth follows a three-year trend of steady improvement, which officials attribute to the strategic focus and corrective measures implemented by the new government. Key safety concerns, particularly those involving wildlife and bird strikes that previously deterred airlines, have been successfully addressed, boosting carrier confidence. In 2025, several international airlines operated flights connecting Mattala to Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia, including: Red Wings (Russia) SkyUp (Bahrain & Pakistan) Fly One (Dubai) Centrum Air & Uzbekistan Airways (Uzbekistan) Bulgaria Air (Bulgaria) Belavia Airlines (Belarus) – Launched its inaugural service to Mattala in 2025 Strategically located near major tourist hubs, MRIA is playing a vital role in revitalizing Sri Lanka’s tourism industry while serving as a crucial alternative to the congested Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). This milestone represents a major step in transforming the airport into a productive national asset. (dailynews.lk) (Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)