Passengers complain of long queues at BIA

17 August 2025 11:49 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 55 Bookmark

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Colombo, August 17 (Daily Mirror) - Passengers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) raised complaints last night over severe congestion, with long queues reported at both check-in counters and immigration.

Several travellers claimed they had nearly missed their flights due to the delays, while others described the departure areas as overcrowded.

According to passengers, the airport appeared to be operating over capacity, with multiple flights scheduled around the same time, resulting in heavy congestion.

Tourists were also among those affected, with many voicing frustration over the chaotic situation.

Comments - 55

Amaran Sunday, 17 August 2025 12:21 PM

I hope AKD government will look into this matter with utmost urgency. Talk the talk will not bring any benefit to the country.

10 53

Shan Mylvaganam Sunday, 17 August 2025 01:40 PM

Why is this always seen as the responsibility of the government and the president alone? What about the officers appointed to handle these areas—such as air traffic planning engineers, airport management, and the immigration and emigration teams? They are supposed to have the knowledge and expertise to manage these matters, provide recommendations, and move forward with implementations for the betterment of passengers.

16 107

Umar Perera Sunday, 17 August 2025 04:44 PM

Only if they are well staffed and supported to do their work.

8 10

Rational thinker Sunday, 17 August 2025 07:47 PM

The government owns the Department of Civil Aviation and the Airport. Old buildings that cannot accommodate modern equipment or large passenger volumes are the cause. The Officers cannot change tbe 'system' which is made up of Regulations Airport buildings immigration processing systems (IT AND human).

5 6

Realistica Adams Sunday, 17 August 2025 04:35 PM

Rubbish. This is not a government issue., there are airport authorities who are paid to do a job. People like you just complain without knowing anything. It’s a changed country now.

12 33

Jude Sunday, 17 August 2025 07:59 PM

@Adams, if this is not government issue then why you need a government? Yeah.

15 8

neilpriyath Monday, 18 August 2025 06:49 AM

This is purely the leadership issue. The leadership changes by every government. They don't appoint people of proven ability with good track records but sycophants. So government has to take the responsibility unless they select people on merit. that is why privatization is better.

0 0

LMAO Monday, 18 August 2025 07:52 AM

'A changed country?'. I assume you are being sarcastic??!!

0 0

VRAJ Monday, 18 August 2025 05:40 AM

THIS IS NOT A BUS OR TRAIN. FOR OVERCROWD IT IS A FLIGHT SO LIMITED PASSENGERS..

0 0

Corruption free Lanka Sunday, 17 August 2025 12:40 PM

With more than one million tourists arrival we need to update our system in all air ports : Try to diversify flights into different airport such as Mattala, Palay : Colombo airport alone can’t cope with the volumes of passengers arrival now: Either try to create another runway and terminal or make arrangements in other airports : Air ports impression is importance people go with bad or good memories form our airport experience and staff treatment: Please employ some good and honest people in the airport and sadly still there some crook people try to cheat passengers. Why is it ? With NPP coming to power to wipe out corruption and fraud : A just appointed immigration or customer officer can make more than what CB staff get from salary: Stop all corrupt people in all departments.

2 40

Shan Mylvaganam Sunday, 17 August 2025 01:49 PM

I don’t think Mattala and Palali airports are being properly utilised, and I’m not sure whether they are capable of handling large aircraft. Ratmalana could also be considered as an option for short-haul flights from neighbouring countries such as India.

2 26

Tony Sunday, 17 August 2025 07:05 PM

This is not communist Cuba to divert the passengers to other airports because it's convenient. People fly to where it's convenient for them. Palalei or Mattala has no support infrastructure. Katunayaka is under renovation and will increase capacity soon. Everything cost money and people have to deal with it without being crybabies till things get better.

3 24

Traveller Sunday, 17 August 2025 12:46 PM

The immigration/ emigration counters are the worse. Lots of the booths are empty. The most unorganized department in the airport. Automation is the best and sack the Lazy people in there.

1 69

Juanis Perera Sunday, 17 August 2025 04:10 PM

Absolutely correct. They are on their mobiles chatting blatantly while the crowd looks on. They favour their friends openly by calling them over to the counter jumping the long queues. These guys need to be disciplined immediately.

0 33

maha Sunday, 17 August 2025 12:46 PM

if the state officers are incapable of managing the situation with the available resources, should introduce private parties into the process for better efficiency

5 29

Eyes wide open Sunday, 17 August 2025 02:12 PM

Should have got visa money to improve resources! No private enterprise to hold airport to ransom!

3 13

Christine Sunday, 17 August 2025 04:17 PM

Since few years a coming twice times a year at 9 am to Colombo. 9 am 3 big aircrafts on arrivel, but the officers has their tea ....

0 5

Some are returning here in spite of it! Sunday, 17 August 2025 09:01 PM

Well, looks like you continue to come here, twice a year, in spite of the long queues, so we must be doing something right; just not at the airport, which hopefully will improve!

0 3

Gregory Sunday, 17 August 2025 01:25 PM

Palaly airport should be extended for international flights from all over the world. In life competition is a must for high efficiency and development. Why delay extension of runway at Palaly. During the civil war larger aircrafts were able to land. Soon after the war, the runway landing lights were removed ,runway was not maintained the airport neglected. Please seek India’s help. Bring in Indian engineers and request them to convert Palaly into Thiruchinapalli airport standard to compete. Forget the problems at BIA. The culture there is difficult to change.Each one working there thinks they are the ones in charge and rule. My advise is fly over to Chennai and from there to Palaly.

8 20

Shan Mylvaganam Sunday, 17 August 2025 02:03 PM

Very good point. Another international airport in the north of the country would not only enhance competition but also bring significant economic benefits—such as new businesses and additional jobs. I don’t understand why this hasn’t been considered seriously.

3 25

R Navaratnam Sunday, 17 August 2025 02:53 PM

No funds.

2 0

Vimukthi Sunday, 17 August 2025 04:38 PM

Well said. Poor planning and the check in counter staffs are not efficient. Same situation if you go to re-new your visas at Bhartharumulla head office. Anyone thought about the Visa processing procedures at this office. How many places you have to go and queue?

1 125

SLEx Sunday, 17 August 2025 07:30 PM

All governments usually wait for election time to provide such facilities because the politicians in our country only work for votes. In this case the Northern votes. When they want the southern votes, they give away freebies on the backs of tax payer money. They do not work for the country or the people but their parties and to stay in power. I hope NPP is different, but when some of them speak about preparing for next elections and winning them, its hard to believe they are any different.

0 6

Jackie Sunday, 17 August 2025 08:42 PM

Larger Airbus models like the A380 have very specific runway length and strength requirements, making them unsuitable for many smaller airports.So Palaly don't have that. Weather conditions, particularly strong winds, low visibility, and precipitation, can also impact an Airbus's ability to land..

2 1

Pramiska Sunday, 17 August 2025 01:36 PM

System change silly.

13 14

Let’s think of alternatives Sunday, 17 August 2025 02:01 PM

If there are empty booths and unemployed graduates, then a temporary solution would be to offer a six month contract to individuals who are eager to find some employment until something more lucrative transpires. Not ideal, but solves two problems.

4 11

Jeeves Sunday, 17 August 2025 02:03 PM

Before opening the floodgates, it would have been better to evaluate/ assess if resources were adequate to accommodate larger influx of people.

1 13

Just saying Sunday, 17 August 2025 02:05 PM

In a bid to appease the complaints, we hope that customs are still being vigilant and not waving foreigners through!

3 9

Smith Sunday, 17 August 2025 03:58 PM

Customs and immigration control is 2 different things..

3 6

It happens in other countries too! Sunday, 17 August 2025 02:09 PM

Ever been to Australia or US or UK ? Immigration and customs are a nightmare and a lengthy process, even with sound income, no intention of staying there, and proficient knowledge of English!

11 18

Lakmal Kahawela Sunday, 17 August 2025 02:21 PM

Have at least two more terminals to cope up with the arrivals and departures. High time to expand the airport. Move the Air Force headquarters somewhere else

2 10

Nalin Gooneratne Sunday, 17 August 2025 02:28 PM

There were a very large number of empty booths when I went to the immigration counter and some of the officers were taking more than five minutes per passenger. After 45 minutes more officers came and the officers were taking less than a minute per passenger. The person in charge should have looked into this.

0 23

Fact Sunday, 17 August 2025 02:40 PM

Our check-in counter staff are well mannered but they are extremely slow in their work. They give the impression of kindergarten teachers taking their own time doing things leisurely. At the same time we can see many staff shouting for passengers of the flights about to leave. It's silly. They should have additional counters to occupy them.

1 20

Privileged much? Sunday, 17 August 2025 02:47 PM

This is normal in many international airports, stop complaining like entitled babies and come early to the airport. Or take a boat!

8 3

Arun Sunday, 17 August 2025 03:15 PM

They were questioned a passenger for over 30 min at immigration counter ( two passengers) two different counters , the entire lane was stuck and people were running to catch flights. I believe aiport do not have the capacity as some officers slow motion work still not improved and airline officers and immigration officers are not coordinating to expedite delayed passengers

0 5

Not all passengers are plain sailing! Sunday, 17 August 2025 09:07 PM

You are assuming all passengers are legit! Some are coming here with false passports, wanted by terrorism bureau, bogus paperwork etc! If it takes time to check, just deal with it!

5 3

Dr Mervin Silva Sunday, 17 August 2025 03:20 PM

These people have had no travel experience. In many countries such things happen - regularly! But people obey and understand the situstion beyond the control of humans as many are controlled by machines now!

3 3

Redflame Sunday, 17 August 2025 03:22 PM

If we open borders with visa free access simultaneously we should improve infrastructure at the airport to handle surging passengers. EGates or.more counters.

2 7

Terrence K Sunday, 17 August 2025 03:38 PM

This is not Heathrow Airport for overcrowding to take place. The fault lies with many passengers coming at the last moment when there is a requirement that passengers should clock in 3 hours before their flights. If this is complied the passengers can move to the respective counters without a hassle. It should also be mentioned that it seems that the previous immigration officials have been shifted and new officials are manning these counters whilst they are not equipped with the work load. Also there should be additional counters consequent to the open door policy where visas are not required. In the past too there were complaints that immigration officials were like detectives inquiring about the dual citizenship of passengers when this is clearly marked on the computers and no further investigation is necessary. All this happens when these officials overstep their authority on the assumption that every passenger has some skeletons to hide.!!!!!

1 6

Jackie Sunday, 17 August 2025 07:59 PM

Even a single terminal in Heathrow can handle this situation good. No point to talk about 3hrs before it doesn't help.Coz you need to have a picture about how many flights departing at the same time..The peak time..From 02am to 6am several departures to Middle East and Asia..All flights through Doha,Dubai connecting to Europe and USA. The missed connection and rebooking cost more money.Warm and bad ventilation makes people to get sick on board after all this.You will be tired to fly an other 14hrs onwards. I feel sorry for the Immigration officers coz they are the last ones falling in this situation. I work for one of the leading airports in Europe last 20yrs..With my experience only am writing this..Sri Lanka can make this nicely..

0 4

Dr Tissa Fernando Sunday, 17 August 2025 04:28 PM

Our big talk Transport and Airport Minister is only focusing on toilets for bus drivers. The Airport can be made more efficient if attention is given. But attention of this government is on petty issues.

10 6

Spartacus Sunday, 17 August 2025 04:50 PM

I have found the speed at the check-in counters are very slow in comparison to those of other countries. Online check-in is not recognised at BIA counters for Sri Lankan PP holders, this is absolutely silly. Baggage handover is non existent and will depend on the staff. On one occassion they allowed my online check-in and gave me permission to handover baggage to baggage counter, the next time this was not allowed because I was told I was having a SL passport. Incompetency, professionalism and speed is non-existent among each and every staff. This airport is like a laid back African Airport where there are only four flights per day and everyone works for the sake of their presence.

0 9

Fact Sunday, 17 August 2025 10:14 PM

The children in our Super Market chain cashier counters will perform better if trained.

0 4

Jackie Sunday, 17 August 2025 05:19 PM

I have experienced this in February. Even have sent an email to BIA about the reactions of tourists.. Me with mychild and were sick.There was no reply or respond. No one wants to come again if they experienced like this.There is no systematic way to keep the que..Special assistance, kids,crew on same que and people who were in wheelchairs slept..Infants was crying and every 2 minutes Crew members were checked through. Even i kept the letter from doctor there was no respond. Additionally known people brought by Ground staffs where I have asked him "This is illegal "..You can't argue..You lose the income of Duty free,coffee shop etc..etc.. They should plan how many passengers pr.hour is checking through BIA. And need check in kiosks for self check in and Bag drop counters.. If Maldives can why can't Sri Lanka do this?Place the self check in kiosk on Departure hall.In one Terminal we use to send 150 000 passengers pr.day.There were ques but not mess like in BIA.

0 8

ANNE CUNT Sunday, 17 August 2025 05:24 PM

STAFF TAKING THEIR OWN TIME YES TRUE

0 4

ANNE CUNT Sunday, 17 August 2025 05:36 PM

GET THE HELP FROM JAPAN NOT CHINA PLESE JAPAN SRI-LANKA'S TRUE FRIEND tourism is very important to us,quick easy money and we need the money my friend to cover up what SLPP LOOTED

1 4

Time keeper Sunday, 17 August 2025 06:18 PM

MAKE GOOD STAFF ROSTER. PEAK HOURS MORE STAFF AND OFF PEAK TIME LESS STAFFS. ALSO BREAK THE DUTY HOURS. MORNING from 0900hrs to 1500 hrs less staffs. 1500hrs to midnight more staff. Once again 0300 hours to 0800hrs increase the staffs.

0 2

Time keeper Sunday, 17 August 2025 06:18 PM

MAKE GOOD STAFF ROSTER. PEAK HOURS MORE STAFF AND OFF PEAK TIME LESS STAFFS. ALSO BREAK THE DUTY HOURS. MORNING from 0900hrs to 1500 hrs less staffs. 1500hrs to midnight more staff. Once again 0300 hours to 0800hrs increase the staffs.

0 1

A. Disanayake Sunday, 17 August 2025 06:44 PM

Let China buy the airport and run it. Problem solved.

1 0

Shiyam Sunday, 17 August 2025 07:23 PM

Yes my family travelled yesterday, apparently long queues and also Immigration officers were taking their own time and inefficient. And they have walked out of immigration in 03 mts in Dubai after joining the queue. We need to look into this seriously

0 2

Gunadasa Sunday, 17 August 2025 08:50 PM

Govt. lethargic servants and their children's children will definitely pay for this for their careless attitude.

0 3

Herman Perera Monday, 18 August 2025 06:32 AM

This is an issue that has been going on for years

0 0

Ranaweera Monday, 18 August 2025 07:30 AM

Long queues mean more passengers. To address the issue, all check in counters shoukd be operational. All immigration counters shoukd be operational too. Do not allow 20 plus relatives beyond a certain point , I have seen them blocking the queues for secuirity checks before entering the counters. Passenger facilities such as washrooms need to be improved too. Currently, such facilities are limited and badly maintained. More passengers mean more income for everworking there so they should get bonuses based on efficiency KPIs.

0 0

ram Monday, 18 August 2025 08:21 AM

many tail migrants return home for vacation, our airport official most probably immigration officers held the passport for long time without any reason and strat to openly demand money to leave them without further delay. some are against it and get away. but many pay and leave for unnecessary delay. will the new govt. look into this.

0 0

Terrence K Wednesday, 20 August 2025 02:26 PM

@Jackie - Utterances that there is no point coming to the airport 3 hours before departure sends the wrong signals to the passengers who want to have a safe and comfortable passage without any hassles at the airport since ample time for checking in security immigration and handling potential delays or unexpected issues ensures a smoother and less stressful travel experience. So do not be a mouthpiece with your half baked knowledge by giving contrary advice to the laid down procedures given by the Civil Aviation Department and this shows your inadequacy of knowledge by working for 20 years at an European Airport which fundamentals should have been learnt throrougly as these are some of the BEST PRACTICES given for International flights to be adhered and complied!!!!!

0 0

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