Mattala on standby to accommodate diverted flights if necessary: CAASL

Colombo, February 28 (Daily Mirror) - The Civil Aviation Authority (CAASL) said that the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) has been placed on standby to accommodate diverted flights if necessary amidts escalating tensions in the Middle East region.

The CAASL said a special programme has been launched under the leadership of the Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer, Captain Daminda Rambukwella, to facilitate passengers and aircraft arriving in and departing from Sri Lanka, following the closure of airspace due to the prevailing conflict situation in the Middle East and surrounding regions.

It said an emergency contingency plan has been formulated by the Director General of Civil Aviation in consultation with relevant stakeholders to manage the current situation.

The CAASL advised passengers intending to travel to the Middle East and surrounding regions, to contact their travel agents or the respective airlines to confirm flight details before arriving at the airport as SriLankan Airlines and FitsAir have decided to temporarily suspend flight operations to destinations within those countries.

The Authority urges the public not to harbour unnecessary fears regarding the situation.