EXPANSION OF KATUNAYAKE BIA

The constructions work of the new aircraft compound at Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) would be completed by October 2019, Transport and Civil Aviation Ministry said. According to the ministry, the existing aircraft compound at the BIA can accommodate 24 aircraft, and with the construction of the new compound, it will be possible to accommodate 25 more aircraft.

“This will help to reduce the current congestion experienced at the airport,” the airport authorities said.

Parallel to the project, several renovation work were also being commenced at the exit and arrival points at the BIA for the convenience of the passengers in addition to the expansion of migration unit at the exit terminal, the ministry said.

A special progress review meeting was held to review the progress of those constructions during an inspection tour of the BIA by Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva on Friday.

The Minister said that around 100, 000 passengers arrived at the airport each day and the government had launched a special programme to improve the facilities for those passengers.

However, the construction work was said to have been delayed by the contractors. The Minister informed the contractors that the construction work should be completed within the stipulated time failing which contract agreements would be cancelled and payment would be withheld.

“After completing this construction, the Bandaranaike International Airport will be on par with international standards,”he said.

“Necessary steps are already under way to construct the second passenger terminal building following the increase of passengers arriving at the airport,” the minister further said.