SriLankan Airlines flight delays continue, travelers urged to check before leaving for airport

Feb 27, Colombo: Sri Lanka's national carrier, SriLankan Airlines issuing a statement said due to a combination of unforeseen events flight delays and congestion at the Colombo Airport are continuing and urged the passengers to check times before leaving for the airport.

The Full statement:

SriLankan Airlines regrets the continuing delays and congestion at Colombo Airport. Due to a combination of unforeseen events, including a bird strike which damaged an aircraft in Cochin, our valued customers have been subjected to great inconvenience and delayed flights.

We request all our passengers to check in for their flights online, to contact our 24 hour call center on 01-97331979 or their travel agent before going to the Bandaranaike International Airport.

Read Full Article 

Airport and Aviation Services Will Hand over Mattala Airport Through SLAF to India

The SLAF comes amid moves to hand over the 800-hectare Mattala Airport to the Airport and Aviation Authority to be operated as a joint venture with India. Of this extent of land, three hectares will be given to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) for storing of jet fuel and the SLAF is seeking 90 hectares for national security purposes.

The senior official said the SLAF request would not affect the joint venture with India. “The security of the country has to be ensured and hence it is logical to hand over a section of the land to the SLAF,” he added. The official said the SLAF’s access to the runway would not affect civil airline operation as the strip to be allocated to the SLAF will be from another direction like in Katunayaka.

The proposed joint venture with India is valued at US$ 2.03 billion for 40 years, with the option to extend it. In terms of the deal, the Indian Aviation will have 70 percent stake of the airport company and Sri Lanka Aviation 30 percent.

Read Full Article