too bad... that was short lived service. hopefully FlyDubai's service beginning later this month will have more success in bringing in passengers and revenue

Quite simple really, the airport is in wrong place, NOT suitable for tourist traffic and the airlines know this, maybe it is ok for locals returning home from work abroad, but for tourism, the airport will in my opinion turn out to be a white elephant.
Sad because of the Billions of Rupees invested, should have been better spent elsewhere.

Yes Dave, this was clearly a pork barrel project; HRH and his lemmings will never understand that. Simply it is not going from their own pockets.

Promote Mattala Airport for Air Cargo & MRO

Air Cargo

To strengthen the role of Mattala airport as the preferred cargo hub, MRIA need efficient and reliable air cargo services with the highest standards of safety and security. MRIA's advantages as an air cargo hub must include:

• Free port policy
• Strategic geographic location
• Excellent connectivity and accessibility
• Extensive IT application
• High safety and security
• Sufficient cargo capacity
• Efficient cargo operation
• Competitive costs

MRIA must provide the "best-value" services to airport users in the most efficient and effective manner possible, must achieve this by working closely with business partners and by undertaking numerous other initiatives designed to enhance and expand the airport's capabilities.

Customer friendly

A fast and efficient customs process is critical to Mattala airport. MRIA must expedite clearance by providing integrated Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) linkage between air cargo operators and the Customs & Excise Department (C&ED). Benefits must include:

• Allowing pre-arrival customs clearance, covering all types of cargo down to “house” airway bill level.

• Providing a “priority consignments” facility and automatic assignment of default constraint codes.

Integration of South Asia

To strengthen the role of MRIA as the preferred cargo hub in South Asia, cargo depots need be set up in the Mattala airport. The aim of this initiative is to reach out to cargo sources, and to facilitate the flow of goods via Mattala, enhancing MRIA’s role as a premier supply in South Asia.

MRO

SriLankan must expand its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) offer in South Asia even further and must responded to the increasing demand for technical services by commissioning a second large MRO in Mattala airport.

Mattala MRO must provide services to A320, A330 & Later A350.

SriLankan Mattala MRO must offers supply and maintenance of different parts for nearly every aircraft type of Airbus & they need to be a member of the worldwide Airbus spare parts repair network.

Sharjah-Hambantota route never made any sense.........Dubai-Hambantota seems more viable!!!!!

Free Port Policy AHAHAHA WHat is that?

Free port is a special customs area or small customs territory with generally less strict customs regulations.

Mihin launches Portable In Flight Entertainment System

Close this useless Airport and make a special Economic Zone like Dambulla.

I m sure we can make more Money out of it.

Not new for an LCC

if u got the right methods and plans......u can even make an international airport in Kilinochchi and make money out of it........HRI needs to be utilised properly!!!! noT bY forcing UL flights going to the west to touch down there!!!!!

Privatization of the Airport will be much better….

SriLankan Airlines partners with World Travel Awards

SriLankan Airlines has become an event partner with the World Travel Awards for the first ever Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony, to be held in the Maldives this Sunday.

The Black tie event will be held on May 12 at the Paradise Island Resort in the Lankanfinolhu of North Male' Atoll.

wow thats great!

Mihin Lanka to Start Medan Service from May 2013

Mihin Lanka starting 11MAY13 is launching new service to Indonesia, with 2 weekly Colombo – Medan operation,
on board Airbus A320.

For more info check Flight Schedule - http://www.mihinlanka.com/english/pl...light-schedule

Booking not available - Looks like pending approval