‘8,000 plus passenger movements on daily basis at Colombo airport’

COLOMBO: Operations at the Bandaranaike International Airport have gradually bounced back to the present 8,000 plus passenger movements on a daily basis.

”There is a gradual upward movement of passenger traffic at the Bandaranaike International Airport to over 8,000 per day inclusive of 4,000 arrivals and 4,000 departures now on a daily basis,” said Airport and Aviation Services Chairman Retd. Major General G. A. Chandrasiri.

There is also a significant growth in the number of aircraft movements with the tendency of airlines returning to their normal scheduled operations.

On Nov. 1, 2021, there were 98 aircraft movements at BIA, said Chandrasiri.

The changes in the behavior of passengers due to the COVID-19 crisis, travel restrictions, and the ensuing economic crisis have resulted in a dramatic drop in demand for air travel in 2020 and 2021.

However, at present, the global aviation industry experiences a growth in air travel following the successful national vaccination program, resulting in the relaxation of travel restrictions.

There’s plenty to be positive about these days, as the Bandaranaike International Airport becomes busier and many airlines make their plans for a return to a degree of normalcy and stability in the coming months.

“There has been an increase in aircraft and passenger movements in Sri Lanka compared to Q1 and Q2.

“Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private)Limited (AASL) as the operator of all civil airports in the country plays a significant role in handling all airport operations and air navigation services,” he said in a report published in Daily News.