Indian media has reported that Sri Lanka’s minister for tourism, sports, and youth affairs, Harin Fernando, who is attending the OTM travel show in Mumbai, said that the Adani Group is negotiating with Sri Lankan authorities to manage three airports in the island nation, including its premier international gateway, Bandarnaike International Airport in Colombo.
Other airports being offered are Ratmalana Airport in Colombo and Mattala Airport, the latter earning the tag of the world’s emptiest international airport seven years ago He is reported to have said that modalities were being discussed between the two sides and could involve management contracts as well.
“There are plans to work with Adani Group for the management of airports,” Fernando had told businessline.
The plan to rope in a private partner to manage airports comes amid a resurgence in tourism. Foreign tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka doubled to 1.48 million in 2023 on a year-on-year basis. This, however, has put a strain on the country’s airport infrastructure. It is hoped that a private partner would help in expanding the facilities and improving the passenger experience.
(Businessline)
