Sri Lanka and the Sultanate of Oman discussed further strengthening cooperation in civil aviation, with particular focus on the operation and development of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, enhancing direct air connectivity and expanding airline services between the two countries.
The meeting took place in Kuala Lumpur at the 61st Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation, Asia and Pacific Region (DGCA/61) between Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), and Eng. Naif bin Ali Al Abri, President of the Civil Aviation Authority of Oman.
A key focus of the discussion was Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), with Eng. Naif bin Ali Al Abri expressing interest in its operations and future development potential.
The two officials also discussed the resumption of direct flights between Sri Lanka and Oman through SriLankan Airlines, the possible resumption of Oman Air services between Muscat and Sri Lanka, and increasing the frequency of existing SalamAir services.
The expansion of air connectivity between the two countries is expected to support the growth of tourism, trade and business while strengthening people-to-people links between Sri Lanka and Oman.
Eng. Naif bin Ali Al Abri also requested Sri Lanka’s support for a special International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) meeting scheduled to be held in Oman. Sri Lanka expressed its willingness to provide the necessary support.
As part of efforts to further strengthen bilateral aviation relations, Eng. Naif bin Ali Al Abri invited the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, the Deputy Minister, the Secretary to the Ministry and Capt. Daminda Rambukwella to visit Oman. Capt. Daminda Rambukwella also extended an invitation to the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Oman to visit Sri Lanka.
The meeting further strengthened the foundation for closer Sri Lanka–Oman cooperation in civil aviation, airport development and international air connectivity.
