The first phase of the Rs. 2.25 billion Palaly airport development project will be completed by 10 October, with regional flight operations set to commence six days later, Transport & Civil Aviation Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said.
The Minister told Parliament this morning that flights will be operational from Palaly to multiple Indian destinations, with domestic aviation companies given a higher priority in providing services.
The Palaly airport, which has been operating as a military airbase, is in the process of being upgraded to a regional airport.
Four other airports in Sri Lanka will also be further developed or, in the case of domestic airbases, converted to international airports, said the Minister, namely Katunayake, Mattala, Ratmalana and Batticaloa.
Regional and international aviation services will be launched connecting the domestic and international airports, he added.
(Republic Next)