The much looked forward to operation of the Palali Airport will begin soon with development work on the domestic airport, with potential for direct flights to countries in the region, expected to reach completion in October, an official of the Civil Aviation Authority told journalists at a media briefing last week.
Work on the Rs. 19 billion project to develop the airport commenced this year and when completed the airport will have the capacity to handle direct flights to India, China, Australia and Middle East destinations.
“We will know the airlines that will operate flights from the airport after work on the airport has been completed,” Minister of Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs, John Amaratunga said.
Tourism industry officials said the development of the Palali Airport should have been completed much earlier as it is 10 years since the war ended. However, they said it is better late than never. Work on the project comprises two stages: One, expanding the runways and its accompanying facilities and the other, building terminals after adequate air traffic builds up. The aim of developing the Palali Airport is also to boost the economy of the Northern Province which will look attractive for foreign direct investments when the airport is fully operational.