Sri Lanka awards BIA departure terminal expansion tender to Maga Engineering following Cabinet approval for a major infrastructure project aimed at increasing passenger handling capacity at Bandaranaike International Airport and supporting the country’s growing aviation sector.
Sri Lanka awards BIA departure terminal expansion tender to Maga Engineering for new terminal works
The Cabinet has approved the award of the contract to Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd for the expansion of the departures terminal at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). The project has been valued at US$7.26 million (excluding VAT) and Rs. 3.77 billion (excluding VAT), according to Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.
Speaking to reporters after the weekly Cabinet meeting, Jayatissa said the funding for the project would be provided through the General Treasury, underscoring the government’s commitment to upgrading Sri Lanka’s primary international gateway.
The terminal expansion project is expected to improve passenger processing capacity and enhance operational efficiency at Bandaranaike International Airport, which continues to serve as the country’s busiest aviation hub. The new facility will include 36 additional check-in counters and six aircraft access gates, providing improved infrastructure to accommodate rising passenger traffic and future aviation demand.
The decision follows a procurement process approved by the Cabinet on February 9, 2025, which authorised the commencement of international competitive bidding for the construction of the new departures terminal building.
According to the minister, bids were invited under an International Competitive Procurement Procedure, attracting proposals from three bidders. Following a detailed technical and financial evaluation, the High-Level Standing Procurement Committee recommended awarding the contract to the lowest responsive bidder.
Based on that recommendation, the Cabinet approved the proposal to award the contract to Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, enabling construction work to move forward.
The Sri Lanka awards BIA departure terminal expansion tender to Maga Engineering decision marks another step in the government’s broader efforts to modernise national transport infrastructure and strengthen the country’s aviation sector. Expanding passenger facilities at Bandaranaike International Airport is expected to improve the travel experience for both local and international passengers while supporting future tourism and business travel growth.
Airport infrastructure upgrades have become increasingly important as Sri Lanka seeks to enhance its competitiveness as a regional aviation and tourism destination. Additional check-in facilities and boarding gates are expected to reduce congestion during peak travel periods and improve operational flexibility for airlines serving Colombo.
The investment is also expected to generate economic benefits by supporting construction activity and improving the country’s long-term transport infrastructure. Modern airport facilities play a key role in facilitating international trade, tourism and investment while strengthening Sri Lanka’s connectivity with global markets.
With Cabinet approval now secured, the relevant authorities can proceed with the implementation phase of the airport expansion project. Construction of the new departures terminal building is expected to contribute significantly to the long-term development of Bandaranaike International Airport, ensuring it is better equipped to meet growing passenger demand in the years ahead.
The Sri Lanka awards BIA departure terminal expansion tender to Maga Engineering project represents one of the latest public infrastructure investments aimed at enhancing Sri Lanka’s transport network and supporting broader economic development through improved aviation capacity.