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BIA operations on smooth course, says Airport official
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Yesterday's pictures of resurfacing work in progress. Pix by Indika Handuwala
While resurfacing work on the main runway of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) began on Friday, flights and passenger movement operations were going smoothly, a Duty Manager at Airport & Aviation Services said.
“We have employed additional staff to reduce congestion and so far we have been managing the situation effectively,” the manager said.
He said that as a result of the renovations, at least 175 commercial flights have been rescheduled.
“Passengers are requested to be at the airport five hours before the time of departure as the closure of the check-in counters one hour prior to the departure time is being strictly adhered to,” a statement said.
The airport which is being renovated at a cost of Rs. 7.2 billion by a Chinese joint venture company, sees an average of 25,000 passengers a day in addition to 300 metric tonnes of air cargo.
Police have also implemented a special traffic plan in the vicinity of the airport which will be closed daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4 30. p.m. for the duration of the runway work which will continue till April.
