The future development and positioning of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is being pursued through a joint marketing and operational strategy aimed at attracting more airlines and strengthening its role as a tourism gateway, according to Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism.

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday (19), Hewawasam said the absence of scheduled airlines remains the airport’s biggest challenge, although charter operations continue during peak seasons with existing concessions already in place.

He noted that the tourism authority is working together with Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd, industry operators and other stakeholders on a collective plan to promote Mattala both operationally and commercially.

According to him, the airport is strategically positioned to serve as the closest and most viable alternative to Bandaranaike International Airport when flight diversions are required, although many airlines have historically opted for Trivandrum due to limited awareness of Mattala’s safety track record.

Hewawasam said recent efforts by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka and other aviation bodies have helped strengthen safety standards and resolve earlier operational concerns, enabling the airport to gain wider recognition among carriers as a certified alternative destination.

He added that authorities are now working on branding Mattala specifically as a tourism airport, highlighting its proximity to key travel zones in the south and east. Plans are also underway to engage airlines through dedicated sessions and marketing pitches to encourage route development.

He stressed that increasing operations, including a possible role for the national carrier SriLankan Airlines, would be key to making Mattala commercially viable, noting that detailed technical and financial assessments would be required before expanding services.