BIA restricts visitor access during peak hours

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

In response to growing congestion concerns, authorities at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) have announced a new restriction on visitor access to the Departure Lobby during peak hours.   

Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited said that entrance to the Departure Lobby for visitors will not be allowed between 10:00 PM and midnight on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications of the Airport and Aviation Services Sumith de Silva said that this aims to ease crowding and ensure smoother operations during the airport’s busiest periods.   

“This measure is being implemented to ensure convenience for all passengers and airport users,” he said.   

The decision comes shortly after passengers raised complaints over severe congestion on Sunday night, citing long queues at check-in counters and immigration. Several travellers reported nearly missing their flights due to delays, while others expressed frustration over the airport operating beyond its capacity.   

Tourists and locals alike took to social media, calling on airport authorities to improve staffing and flight scheduling to avoid similar disruptions in the future.   

The new restriction is expected to ease congestion during peak hours, though travellers continue to urge for broader structural improvements to meet increasing passenger demand.