Airport reopening to accommodate repatriation flights

With plans to reopen the airport on June 1 the government’s main objective in doing so is to ensure the repatriation programme continues.

Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga told the Business Times on Wednesday that the main objective of reopening the airport is to ensure that repatriation of Sri Lankans overseas could continue.

The closure of the airport was also since most of the hotels were running high occupancies (from returnees) but now there is a possibility to bring them down, he said.

The minister also pointed out that although the date is given there is a possibility that this reopening could take another week or two depending on the COVID-19 situation in the country by then.

He also noted that while there are travel advisories from other countries informing their nationals not to visit Sri Lanka, however, should any traveller wish to enter the country they will be allowed.

Meanwhile, he also said that travel agents can go ahead and make their plans but they would have to follow the protocols.

Sri Lanka on Wednesday decided to reopen airports from June 1 as announced by the Civil Aviation Authority.

However those who have visited India within the past 14 days will not be allowed to enter the country, it was stated.

The notice further states that inbound travellers will be “mandatorily quarantined” as per the health regulations in a Level 1 hotel for 14 days irrespective of the type or number of doses of vaccine that travellers have obtained.

Although Sri Lankan passport holders and dual citizens do not require approval to land approval is required for foreign nationals, seafarers, business and investment-based visitors.

All passengers are to adhere to the paid quarantine procedures, the statement said.

At present the country’s airports are closed since the recent spike in the number of COVID positive cases. (SD)