Sri Lanka’s skies get busier! Passenger traffic up 14% this year

October 21, 2025 at 5:14 PM

The Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) has reported a 14.08% increase in international passenger movements and a 15.35% increase in international aircraft movements from January to September 2025. 

According to an AASL statement, the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), and the Jaffna International Airport (JIA) welcomed a total of 7,559,699 passengers during this period, with arrivals and departures nearly evenly split, 49.15% arrivals and 50.85% departures. 

Transit traffic remained strong, with 680,821 passengers passing through, reinforcing its strategic role in regional and long-haul connectivity. 

Of the total arrivals, 1,706,308 were tourists arriving by air, accounting for 45.92% of all arrivals. Meanwhile, local arrivals made up 54.08%, indicating a healthy blend of domestic engagement and international tourism. 

The AASL said these figures affirm the industry’s steady momentum and the final quarter is expected to see a continued boost in passenger volumes and flight operations, supported by the introduction of new airline schedules and expanded route offerings. (Newswire)