47 Parties Show Interest in Investing in Mattala International Airport

Around 47 parties, including companies from the Middle East, have expressed interest in investing in the Mattala International Airport located in the Hambantota District, according to a minister.

The government has issued an “Expressions of Interest (EOI)” call to attract investors for the management and future commercial expansion of the airport. A Cabinet-appointed committee has been tasked with conducting negotiations with both local and foreign investors.

Aruna Karunatilake, Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy, stated that several well-known companies from the Middle East have shown interest in the project despite the ongoing Israel–US–Iran conflict situation.

He further noted that companies from countries such as India and China have also expressed interest.

Mattala International Airport was constructed during the tenure of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa with a Chinese loan of approximately USD 200 million. The airport is located near the Hambantota Port.

Currently, the airport is mainly used for charter flight operations to bring tourists into the country. The government aims to develop it into a fully-fledged commercial and international aviation hub.