MRIA carried out the highest number of passenger, cargo operations: State Minister

Despite the current COVID19 epidemic in the country, the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) has carried out the highest number of passenger operations in its history, Aviation and Development of Export Zones State Minister D.V. Chanaka said.

He said in line with the passenger operations, a large number of air cargos were handled during that period.

"The MRIA has become an active international airport and rates as a COVID-19 safe international airport. Many of the world's leading airlines are in discussions with MRIA to begin airline operations. So far, four airlines have agreed to start operations. Flight services between Abu Dhabi and Mattala will begin in the next few weeks, " State Minister said.

SriLankan Airlines will launch a number of new destinations. Flight services between MRIA and Male, MRIA and Kazakhstan will start soon following the final stage of negotiations with an international company that has agreed to set up an aircraft maintenance unit based at MRIA. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)