Passengers using Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) could see improved facilities and higher passenger-handling capacity as the government moves to speed up airport development projects.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to accelerate projects aimed at preparing the airport for future passenger demand.
The direction came during a discussion on the 2027 Budget proposals for the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation at the Presidential Secretariat on October 27.
More Capacity and Better Facilities for Travelers
Officials reviewed the progress of ongoing airport development projects during the meeting.
Plans to expand infrastructure around Katunayake Airport were also discussed. These include improvements to road networks linked to the airport.
Special attention was given to projects that can increase passenger-handling capacity at BIA and other airports. Officials also discussed upgrading facilities to improve convenience for air travelers.
For passengers, the focus is on making airport infrastructure capable of handling more people as demand grows.
Domestic Airports Also Part of the Plan
The President said development should not stop at Katunayake Airport.
He instructed officials to develop other domestic airports alongside BIA to meet future demand.
This approach aims to expand airport capacity across the country while improving facilities for people using air travel.
Officials have been asked to speed up the relevant projects so airport infrastructure can keep pace with future requirements.
Specific details on new passenger facilities, project costs and completion dates were not provided at the meeting.
Airlines & Aviation Developments Panel Discussion Presidential Affairs Tourism
Last modified: October 28, 2026
