Minister of Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake attributed congestion at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to several issues, including the non-expansion of Terminal 02, resulting in restrictions for visitors during peak hours.
In a post on ‘X’ 18th August, Minister Rathnayake noted that congestion at Katunayake Airport is caused by multiple factors, including travellers being accompanied by relatives, limited infrastructure, a low number of check-in counters, a shortage of immigration officers, and delayed digitisation of e-gates.
“It’s due to non-expansion of BIA Terminal 2, low number of checking counters, shortage of immigration officers, delayed digitisation (No e-gates), etc.,” he said, adding that the Government plans to implement solutions within months. He highlighted that the completion of Terminal 02 will serve as a long-term solution to the congestion problem.
His remarks follow the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (AASL) announcement that entry to the Departure Lobby at Katunayake Airport will be restricted for visitors from Thursdays to Saturdays between 10:00 pm and midnight. The measure has been introduced with immediate effect to ease congestion and ensure smoother operations for passengers and other airport users. (Ceylon Today)
