Mattala reports record arrivals in 2025

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport recorded its highest number of air passengers in 2025, according to the Ministry of Ports and Aviation.

The airport said total international passenger movements since operations began in 2013 reached 140,614, marking the strongest performance in its operational history. During 2025, the airport also handled 703 international flights.

Air passenger traffic at Mattala has shown steady improvement over the past three years. Authorities attributed this progress to increased attention given to the airport following the formation of the new Government, which focused on addressing long-standing operational and safety challenges.

For several years, airlines had been reluctant to operate flights to Mattala due to safety concerns linked to wildlife activity in the surrounding area. Officials said proactive measures taken by the Government to mitigate these risks helped restore airline confidence, contributing to increased aircraft movements during 2025.

Several international airlines operated flights to Mattala in 2025, connecting Sri Lanka with destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. These included Red Wings from Russia, SkyUp from Pakistan, Fly One from Dubai, Centrum Air and Uzbekistan Airways from Uzbekistan, and Bulgaria Air. Belavia Airlines from Minsk, Belarus also commenced flights to Mattala for the first time during the year.

The airport plays a role in supporting Sri Lanka’s tourism sector by providing access to several domestic tourist destinations in the southern and eastern regions. It also holds strategic importance as an alternative to congestion at Bandaranaike International Airport.

Source - The Morning