BIA to get a domestic flight terminal

19 July 2018 06:08 am - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Government is to build a separate new terminal at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for the use of domestic flights in order to promote domestic air travel for the benefit of tourists, with the development of all domestic airports and using bigger aircraft.

The Cabinet Approval was granted for a proposal made for this purpose jointly by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs and State Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Asoka Abeysinghe last week.

Accordingly, the National Agency for Public-Private Partnership (NAPPP), with the assistance of the Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA) has called for Expression of Interests (EOIs) to set up scheduled domestic air services and five investment proposals have been received

They are- Saffron Aviation, FITS Aviation, SJ Global Investments, Lotus Air and IWS Aviation.

These companies are ready to use bigger aircraft with more seating capacity up to 118 seats for domestic flights from their own investment.

These Expressions of Interest (EOI) s have been evaluated by a committee composing Director General of Civil Aviation, the NAPPP Chairman and Executive Director Airport and Aviation Services.

Based on the evaluation of the proposals made by prospective investors and several post-bid discussions, a few recommendations have been made by the committee:

Each of those who responded to the EOI may submit applications to the DG-CA for required licenses, permits and facilities for operations and such permits shall be provided on a first come first served basis.

The domestic terminal to be created at BIA for common use on identified AASL land. Also, there is no hangar space at BIA for each operator separately, but one hangar to be constructed for maintenance work of all domestic operators.

A portion of Apron D at the BIA to be designated as Domestic Apron for use of domestic flight enabling application of different charging mechanisms and avoiding possible complaints by foreign airlines for discriminatory practices at the international airport.

Hangar space to be provided at Ratmalana for night parking of aircraft as this cannot be done at BIA.

Batticaloa, Sigiriya, Palali, Hingurakgoda, Koggala and Trincomalee to be made available in Phase 1 for scheduled carriers on a needs basis.

Domestic aviation needs to be carried out under the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules in conformity with international standards. As such, CAA and SLAF would jointly work out modalities for Trincomalee, Sigiriya, Palali, Hingurakgoda and Koggala airports to ensure that all civilian operations at these airports are carried out under CAA rules.

Self-handling by private operators will be permitted other than at BIA. Ground handling charges and cargo rates OF BIA to be revised downward for domestic carriers in consultation with Sri Lankan Airlines.

Suitable arrangements to be made for fuel supply at each airport through SLAF or CPC. Allocation of slots will be subject to providing priority to international, SLAF and VIP air traffic as determined by DGCA

Due to constraints faced by private operators, the DGCA in consultation with the Ministry of Defense and UDA to identify few locations in Colombo City for passenger pick-up and drop-off. (Sandun A Jayasekera)

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Comments - 13

Shehan Thursday, 19 July 2018 06:47 AM

Late is better than never Mr.PM. Let Air Asia to play a leading role. This is much needed priority matter than building another domestic air port at Polonnaruwa.

Kapila Thursday, 19 July 2018 06:55 AM

More than a domestic terminal, BIA need a dedicated terminal for budget airlines like AirAsia to create their South Asian base to capture Indian market giving more connectivity. Even Ratmalana Airport can develop as a domestic airport.

akalankadayananda Thursday, 19 July 2018 07:47 AM

Good proposal if implemented as mentioned

Maru Thursday, 19 July 2018 07:50 AM

All well and true! But can someone change people gathering at the entrance of the airport! This is the gateway to the country. The last time I visited it looked like a fish market out there. This has never changed for years. I understand relatives come in their numbers to see their loved ones come or go, but im sure a special lobby can be set up. You dont see this any where in the world except in SL. And it an absolute disgrace.

USAGUY Thursday, 19 July 2018 07:59 AM

Why waste money on this when we have the Ratmalana airport.

lkboy Thursday, 19 July 2018 05:29 PM

I guess they want to facilitate travelers from international flights to easily switch to a domestic flight also.

Unchikun Thursday, 19 July 2018 08:16 AM

Sri Lanka is a small island and a good rail and bus transport service is best for both tourist and the local population. I see this as a way for collecting funds for the coming elections and carving out new white elephants.

Samson Thursday, 19 July 2018 08:38 AM

What happened to the second international terminal?

Anthony Thursday, 19 July 2018 08:54 AM

This is not a priority at the moment use the Ratmalana Airport and first solve all the issues the country is facing and citizens suffering

Jagath Rupasiri Thursday, 19 July 2018 09:01 AM

It's a very good and timely decision taken by the government to build a domestic terminal at BIA for the use of domestic flights to promote domestic air travel for the benefit of tourist.As the number of tourists visiting Sri Lanka is increasing the the seating capacity of the small aircraft(maximum 10 passengers) currently operated by the domestic air operators is not sufficient.Therefore the bigger aircraft with more seating capacity are required.Maintenance facilities for the domestic aircraft are required at BIA to maintain the aircraft airworthy as per the civil aviation regulations.Therefore a separate hangar is required to be built for that purpose.A considerable number of aircraft engineering trainees have already passed out from the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering schools(which are under Civil Aviation Authority) after completing their two year course. They can be utilized to carry out maintenance on domestic aircraft at BIA.Jagath Rupasiri-retired Aircrft engineer/Instr

Lord Wolfstein Thursday, 19 July 2018 11:27 AM

Now it has to be evaluated which company will pay the highest bribe.

Sensible Thursday, 19 July 2018 06:29 PM

Get a second international airport in North in Palaly and travel situation will be considerably eased.

Citizen Thursday, 19 July 2018 08:05 PM

Let's forget about tourism... We definitely will have a set of dedicated runaway for each ministry.. wonder of Asia

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BIA to get a domestic flight terminal

Comments - 13

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