Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI): Sri Lanka’s Ambitious Aviation Project

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Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) is Sri Lanka’s third international airport. It opened in 2013 to ease congestion at Bandaranaike International Airport and boost tourism in the country’s southern region.

Located in Hambantota District, HRI is also known as MRIA.

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The airport has a single runway that can handle large aircraft like the Airbus A380. Its passenger terminal can process one million travelers per year.

HRI offers duty-free shopping, dining options, and other amenities for visitors.

Despite its modern facilities, HRI has faced low passenger numbers since opening. The Sri Lankan government has tried various plans to increase traffic at the airport. These include offering incentives to airlines and promoting nearby tourist sites.

History and Development

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) has a short but significant history. Its development was part of Sri Lanka’s plan to boost tourism and trade in the southern region. The airport’s story involves big dreams, financial challenges, and geopolitical interests.

Construction and Inauguration

HRI was built in southeast Sri Lanka near Hambantota. Construction began in 2009 and cost about $210 million. The project was funded mostly by Chinese loans.

The airport opened on March 18, 2013. It was named after then-president Mahinda Rajapaksa. The government hoped it would become Sri Lanka’s second international hub.

HRI has a 3,500-meter runway that can handle large aircraft. It also has modern passenger terminals and cargo facilities.

Partnerships and Expansion

Despite high hopes, HRI struggled to attract airlines and passengers. In 2016, it was called the world’s emptiest international airport.

To boost use, Sri Lanka looked for partners. In 2017, talks began with India about leasing the airport. This move was seen as a way to balance China’s influence in the region.

Plans were made to use HRI for aircraft parking, flying schools, and maintenance. These ideas aimed to make the airport more useful and profitable.

Strategic Importance

HRI’s location gives it strategic value. It’s close to major shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean. This makes it important for both commercial and military purposes.

China’s involvement in HRI and the nearby Hambantota port raised concerns. Some saw it as part of China’s “String of Pearls” strategy in the Indian Ocean.

India’s interest in leasing HRI was partly to limit China’s access to this strategic spot. This shows how the airport became a focus of regional geopolitics.

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport HRI

Location and Access

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport sits in a strategic spot in southern Sri Lanka. It connects to major cities through various transport options.

Geographic Position

The airport is located in the town of Mattala, 18 km from Hambantota. This puts it in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, a key area for tourism and development. The region is known for its beautiful beaches and wildlife reserves.

Mattala’s location offers easy access to popular coastal destinations. It’s about 250 km southeast of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s largest city and commercial hub.

Getting to and from the airport is possible through several means. Taxis and private car services are readily available for direct trips to Hambantota and other nearby towns.

For budget travelers, public buses connect the airport to Hambantota and other regional centers. These run regularly but may take longer than private transport.

Car rental services are available at the airport for those who prefer to drive. This option gives visitors more freedom to explore the Southern Province at their own pace.

The airport’s position also allows for potential future expansion of transport links, including improved road networks and possible rail connections to major cities like Colombo.

Terminal Facilities: Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport HRI

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport offers modern amenities to enhance passenger comfort and convenience. The terminal provides essential services for travelers, including check-in areas, lounges, dining options, and retail shops.

Check-In and Waiting Areas

The airport’s check-in facility is spacious and well-organized. Passengers can find multiple check-in counters, reducing wait times during peak hours. Self-service kiosks are available for those who prefer a quicker process.

The waiting areas feature comfortable seating and large windows that provide natural light and views of the airfield.

Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the terminal, allowing travelers to stay connected. Charging stations are conveniently placed in various locations. The airport also has ATMs for easy cash withdrawals.

Lounges and VIP Services

HRI Airport offers exclusive lounges for premium passengers and frequent flyers. These lounges provide a peaceful environment away from the main terminal bustle.

Amenities typically include comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, and business facilities like workstations and meeting rooms.

VIP services are available for passengers seeking extra comfort and privacy. These may include personalized assistance, fast-track security clearance, and private transfer to aircraft.

Dining and Shopping

The airport houses several dining options to cater to different tastes and preferences. Travelers can find cafes serving quick bites and beverages, as well as restaurants offering more substantial meals. Local Sri Lankan cuisine is featured alongside international options.

For shopping enthusiasts, HRI Airport provides duty-free stores and retail outlets. Passengers can browse through a selection of local souvenirs, electronics, fashion items, and travel essentials.

The shopping area is designed for easy navigation, allowing travelers to make last-minute purchases before their flights.

Airport Operations: Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport HRI

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport faces challenges with low passenger traffic and limited flight options. The airport aims to improve its operations and attract more airlines.

Airlines and Destinations

SriLankan Airlines previously operated hub services at Mattala, using Airbus A330 aircraft. Currently, the airport sees very few commercial flights.

The airport struggles to attract major carriers due to low demand. Most travelers prefer using Colombo’s main airport instead.

HRI has the capacity to handle large aircraft like the Airbus A380. This allows for potential long-haul routes in the future if demand increases.

Cargo and Logistics

Cargo operations at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport remain limited. The airport has modern facilities for handling freight, but usage is low.

There is potential for growth in air cargo, especially for perishable goods from the region. The airport’s location could serve export industries in southern Sri Lanka.

Efforts are being made to attract logistics companies and develop the airport as a cargo hub. This could boost economic activity in the surrounding area.

Safety and Security

HRI maintains high safety standards despite low traffic. The airport has modern security equipment and follows international protocols.

Air traffic control services are provided to ensure safe takeoffs, landings, and ground movements. The airport’s single runway is equipped for both visual and instrument approaches.

Fire and rescue services are available 24/7 to respond to any emergencies. The airport also has medical facilities on-site for passenger and staff safety.

Fuel storage and handling follow strict safety guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure aircraft receive quality fuel for their flights.

Amenities and Services: Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport HRI

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport offers key amenities to meet travelers’ needs. These include medical support and financial services for passengers.

Medical Facilities

The airport has a Medical Centre to handle health issues. It’s staffed by trained professionals ready to help with minor injuries or illnesses. The center is open during airport hours.

Emergency equipment is on hand for more serious cases. Ambulances can take patients to nearby hospitals if needed.

Travelers with special medical needs can contact the center before their flight. This helps staff prepare any required assistance.

Banking and Currency Exchange

ATMs are available in the terminal for cash withdrawals. They support major international cards.

Currency exchange counters help travelers get Sri Lankan rupees. These desks offer competitive rates for many foreign currencies.

Banking hours may vary, but some services are open for most flights. It’s best to check current hours before travel.

Credit cards are widely accepted at airport shops and restaurants. This gives travelers flexible payment options.

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport HRI

Traveler Information: Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport HRI

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport offers key services for travelers. The airport helps with visas, provides local time details, and connects visitors to nearby attractions.

Visa and Immigration

Sri Lanka requires most foreign visitors to obtain a visa before entry. Travelers can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online. This process is quick and easy. The ETA is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival.

Some nationalities may get a visa on arrival. It’s best to check current rules before travel.

The airport has immigration counters to process visas and entry stamps. Staff can help with any visa questions.

Passport control at HRI is usually quick. Lines are often shorter than at busier airports.

Time Zone and Elevation

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport operates in Sri Lanka Standard Time (UTC+5:30). This time zone doesn’t change for daylight saving.

The airport sits at an elevation of about 48 meters (157 feet) above sea level. The low elevation means minimal impact on air pressure for most travelers.

Here’s a quick reference:

  • Time Zone: UTC+5:30
  • Elevation: 48 meters (157 feet)

Local Tourism

HRI serves as a gateway to southern Sri Lanka’s attractions. Yala National Park, famous for leopards and elephants, is nearby. The historic city of Galle, with its Dutch fort, is a 2-hour drive.

Beaches like Tangalle offer pristine coastlines. Whale watching trips leave from Mirissa, about 90 minutes away.

The area also boasts the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium. This modern venue hosts international matches and is a draw for cricket fans.

Local tour operators have desks at the airport. They can arrange trips and transport to these sites.

Parking and Car Rentals

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) offers convenient parking options for travelers. The airport has 400 parking spaces located next to the terminal building.

These spaces accommodate both short-term and long-term parking needs. The parking area’s proximity to the terminal makes it easy for passengers to access their vehicles quickly after arrival.

For those looking to rent a car, several options are available at HRI. Car rental services can be found within the airport, offering a range of vehicles to suit different needs and budgets.

However, tourists should note that while car rentals are available, self-drive options are not recommended for tourists in Sri Lanka. This is due to challenging road conditions and local driving customs that may be unfamiliar to visitors.

Travelers planning to rent a car should ensure they have a valid driver’s license. In some cases, you may need an International Driving Permit if your license is not in the local language.

Comparative Analysis

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) differs from other Sri Lankan airports in key ways. Its size, location, and passenger traffic set it apart from more established facilities.

MRIA vs Bandaranaike International Airport

MRIA is much newer than Bandaranaike International Airport, which opened in 1967. Meanwhile, MRIA began operations in 2013.

Bandaranaike serves as Sri Lanka’s main international gateway, handling over 10 million passengers yearly. In contrast, MRIA’s passenger numbers are far lower. It sees an average of just 7 passengers per day. This stark difference highlights MRIA’s struggle to attract flights and travelers.

Location also sets them apart. Bandaranaike is near Colombo, Sri Lanka’s largest city. On the other hand, MRIA sits in the less populated southern region. This affects their accessibility and appeal to airlines.

MRIA vs Ratmalana Airport

Ratmalana Airport, near Colombo, mainly serves domestic flights. Meanwhile, MRIA was built as an international facility, despite low demand.

Ratmalana’s domestic focus gives it a clearer purpose than MRIA. Additionally, MRIA cost $209 million to build. Its large size and modern facilities outstrip Ratmalana’s. Yet MRIA’s low usage means these advanced features see little action.

Ratmalana benefits from its proximity to Colombo. On the other hand, MRIA’s remote location makes it less convenient for most travelers. This impacts their roles in Sri Lanka’s air transport network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) serves travelers in southern Sri Lanka. Here are key details about flight schedules, location, procedures, and operations at this airport.

How can I find the latest flight schedule for Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport?

The airport’s official website provides up-to-date flight schedules. Airlines operating at HRI also list their flight times on their websites and mobile apps.

Where exactly is Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport located?

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is located in the town of Mattala, 18 km from Hambantota in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province. It sits in a rural area surrounded by wildlife sanctuaries.

What are the current departure procedures at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport?

Passengers should arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. Check-in and security screening procedures are standard for a Sri Lankan international airport.

Is there a real-time arrivals board available for Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport?

Yes, real-time flight information is available on the airport’s website and on screens throughout the terminal building. This includes updated arrival times and gate numbers.

Which airlines operate flights to and from Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport?

SriLankan Airlines is the main carrier operating at HRI. Other airlines occasionally offer seasonal or charter flights to this airport.

Where can I find the latest news and updates about Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport?

The official airport website and social media channels provide the most current information. Local Sri Lankan news outlets also cover major developments at the airport.

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Sri Lanka Executives Aviation Services (SEAS)
Phone: +94 720 860 870
Email: operations@seas.aero
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