Three Gulf airlines seek Mattala as contingency plan, Govt yet to firm up

Colombo, March 23 (Daily Mirror) - In the midst of the widening conflict in the Middle East, three Gulf airlines have sought a request for the use of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) as a hub, but the government is yet to firm up the decision, an official said.

Sri Lankan authorities are currently processing the request. The airspaces of the Middle East remain closed mostly because of the war that started after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran.

The Foreign Ministry, along with the relevant diplomatic missions, are now assessing the request

He said request had been made by Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad.

He said the MIA, however, had limited facilities for parking aircraft in case long haul aircrafts were to be launched.

“Besides, other facilities required by these airlines are needed to be established. It includes their engineering services, catering services etc,” he said.

The airport’s 3,500-metre runway can accommodate large widebody aircraft, including Airbus A350s, Boeing 777s, and A380s, which are central to the fleets of Gulf carriers.

The MRIA in Sri Lanka was constructed for approximately US$209–$247.7 million, with about $190 million financed through a loan from China. It was opened in 2013. It is now being used for limited flight operations. Some airlines from Russia operate chartered flights to bring tourists to the country.