Sri Lanka to construct 2nd airport at Mattala, Hambantota

Sri Lanka's Minister for Ports and Aviation, Chamal Rajapaksa, announced plans to commence construction of USD200 million second airport at Mattala, Hambantota on 27-Nov-2009 (Daily News, 21-Nov-2009). The airport will be constructed in two phases on 2,000 ha of land. The first phase will cover 800 hectares, including a 3,500 m runway, taxiway and parking facilities, while the second phase over 1,200 ha will include aviation related facilities, MRO facilities, a pilots training centre and hotels. Phase I is scheduled for completion in 2011, with the commercial operations to commence in Dec-2011.