Sri Lanka’s airports recorded 8.88 million passenger movements in 2024, reflecting a 17.6% increase compared to the previous year. However, the numbers remain below pre-pandemic and pre-currency crisis levels, according to official data. In 2018, Sri Lanka’s airports handled 18.88 million passengers, with the number dropping to 9.95 million in 2019 following the Easter Sunday attacks.
International aircraft movements also saw an increase, reaching 56,289 in 2024 compared to 46,639 in the previous year. In 2018, total aircraft movements stood at 67,351, and in 2019, the figure was 62,194.
Bandaranaike International Airport, which experienced congestion in 2018, is set to receive a long-awaited expansion with the construction of a second terminal. The project was delayed due to Sri Lanka’s sovereign debt crisis but is now back on track. “We have already called for tenders for the reconstruction of Terminal 2 and plan to commence construction in September 2025, targeting completion by March 2028,” stated Chairman, retired Air Chief Marshal Harsha Abeywickrema.
Air cargo volumes have also improved to 192,498 tonnes from 158,911 tonnes in the previous year but still lag behind pre-crisis levels.