Nearly 40 investors eye partnership for Mattala Airport as the Government’s renewed effort to revive the underutilised airport has attracted significantly stronger investor interest, with dozens of local and international parties exploring opportunities to jointly operate the facility.
Nearly 40 investors eye partnership for Mattala Airport under Government revival plan
Deputy Minister of Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku said between 35 and 40 prospective investors have participated in preliminary discussions over the past few months, a sharp increase from the previous Expression of Interest (EOI) process, which attracted only one or two interested parties.
“Approximately 35 to 40 prospective investors have participated in preliminary discussions. The final number will be confirmed once official proposals are received after the submission deadline,” he said.
The Government launched a fresh call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in April, inviting both local and foreign investors to partner with the State in developing and operating the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) as a joint venture.
Issued by the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation on behalf of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL), the initiative seeks investment partners capable of enhancing both the airport’s operational performance and commercial potential. A Cabinet Appointed Negotiation Committee (CANC) has been assigned to evaluate submissions, shortlist qualified applicants and oversee the next stage of the procurement process through Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
To encourage broader participation, the Government extended the EOI submission deadline from 9 June to 9 July, while application documents remain available until 8 July.
Kodithuwakku attributed the heightened investor confidence to extensive improvements carried out at the airport over the past year.
He said the airport had faced significant operational challenges when the current administration assumed office, including damaged elephant fencing and frequent incursions by wild animals, which raised safety concerns for aircraft operations.
According to the Deputy Minister, the Government has since completed key infrastructure improvements, established a dedicated wildlife management office and secured a wildlife-free certification, enabling the airport to operate safely and efficiently.
With those operational issues addressed, the Government is now focused on identifying a strategic investor capable of improving the airport’s commercial performance.
The Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport has recorded annual losses of approximately Rs. 3 billion, largely reflecting its operating costs since opening. Authorities believe a public-private partnership could improve utilisation, attract additional airlines and generate sustainable revenue.
Located in Hambantota, MRIA was originally developed to complement Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and support regional economic development. The airport has the capacity to handle around one million passengers annually, although utilisation has historically remained well below capacity.
However, airport activity has shown encouraging signs of recovery. In 2025, MRIA recorded its highest passenger traffic since opening in 2013, handling 140,614 passengers and facilitating 703 international flights, according to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation.
Officials said passenger numbers have increased steadily over the past three years, supported by improved airport operations and growing airline interest.
Several international carriers launched services to Mattala during 2025, expanding connectivity with Europe, the Middle East and South Asia. These included Red Wings from Russia, SkyUp serving Bahrain and Pakistan-linked routes, Fly One from Dubai, Centrum Air and Uzbekistan Airways from Uzbekistan, and Bulgaria Air. Belavia Airlines is also expected to begin services, creating the first direct air connection between Minsk and southern Sri Lanka.
The Nearly 40 investors eye partnership for Mattala Airport initiative marks an important step in the Government’s strategy to transform the airport into a commercially viable aviation hub while strengthening airport investment Sri Lanka and supporting long-term tourism, trade and regional economic growth.