India-Backed Jaffna Airport Upgrade Set to Take Off
- CNL Reporter
- August 21, 2025
- News, Political
- India
- 0 Comments
Sri Lanka is set to embark on the second phase of developing Jaffna International Airport into a fully operational international gateway, with Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake stressing the importance of balancing ambition with feasibility.
The airport, located in Palaly, Jaffna, has long been seen as a strategic link to South India and beyond. Originally a military airfield, it was upgraded in 2019 with Indian assistance to handle short-haul international flights, mainly to Chennai. However, the current runway length of 1,400 metres restricts operations to smaller aircraft, limiting its commercial viability.
Under the proposed modernisation, the runway is expected to be extended to at least 2,300 metres to accommodate narrow-body jets such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. This would enable Jaffna to handle more direct international routes, reducing dependence on Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport. Upgrades will also cover taxiways, aircraft parking bays, and passenger terminal facilities.
Minister Rathnayake emphasised that a comprehensive feasibility study will guide the expansion. “We are determined to make Jaffna Airport a true international gateway, but it must be backed by a strong business plan. We do not want another Mattala situation where infrastructure exists without passengers,” he said, drawing parallels to the underutilised Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.
India’s role remains pivotal in the project. New Delhi funded the initial renovation at a cost of nearly USD 20 million, and currently, two Indigo Airlines flights operate weekly from Chennai to Jaffna
