Sri Lanka’s tourism boom continues, with total arrivals surpassing 1.7 million in 2025, including nearly 150,000 visitors in September alone.
However, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) has reached its operational limits, prompting the rejection of 20 additional weekly flight requests for the upcoming winter season due to space constraints.
Industry sources estimate that this capacity shortage could result in significant revenue losses over the six-month peak season. In response, several charter airlines have redirected their operations to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA).
