Moves to face heavy aviation traffic

Irangika RANGE

Aircraft handled by the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) has increased by 16 percent recording 24,584 operations during the period January to September this year compared to 21,106 movements in corresponding period of 2009. A Ports and Aviation Ministry's Spokesman said this is due to the booming of the aviation industry and the gradual pick up of air traffic indicators from the second half of 2009 in the aftermath of the humanitarian operations.

Therefore, the existing runway and taxiways in the BIA will be widened to cater to the Airbus A380, a new larger aircraft model in the world. The revenue and profits of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited (AASL) too have increased due to the increase of aircraft movements at the BIA.

He further said that the forecast aircraft movements for 2010 is 33,423.

It is planned to develop the aviation industry to cater to more airbus aircraft considering the growth of the tourist traffic after dawn of peace to the country.