Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport Revival

planned

The Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport near Hambantota, Sri Lanka, built with Chinese loans worth over $200 million and inaugurated in 2013, has struggled with low passenger traffic and operational challenges. Sri Lankan authorities have reopened the bidding process for its operation and development, seeking foreign partners to commercially revive the loss-making airport through long-term operational and development rights. Indian companies have shown interest in investing or operating the airport, aiming to transform it into a specialized aviation services hub including maintenance, repair and overhaul services, cargo operations, aircraft parking, and pilot training facilities, rather than competing directly with Colombo's main airport.