Flights of the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the A380 have increased over the Mattala international airport in Hambantota and this has contributed to an increase in earning for Sri Lanka, says the Sri Lanka Airport and Aviation Services Limited Chairman.

Airport and Aviation Services Limited Chairman Prasanna Wickramasuriya told AdaderanaBiz that since the Mattala international airport runway can accommodate the A380 over-flights of these aircraft have increased.

“These aircraft plan to reach their destination within a specific time period. During such times their flight plans are decided upon through the A380 runways. Hence, even if these aircraft fly over the Mattala airport, we still gain an income.

“Since these flights have increased over the Mattala airport our income from them too has increased,” said Wickramasuriya.

Meanwhile, there have been over 1,900 flights handled through the Mattala international airport and over 50,000 passengers have travelled through, he added.