The Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Private Limited (AASL) has assured the public that it is taking all necessary, proactive steps to manage and mitigate the impact of the severe storm conditions, including Cyclone Ditwah, on operations at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

The AASL said since 22:55 hrs yesterday (27), a total of 15 inbound aircraft have been safely diverted to alternative international airports, including Mattala (MRIA), Trivandrum, and Cochin, due to unsafe landing conditions at BIA.

Issuing a statement, the AASL said that it has also registered 16 flight delays at BIA.

The AASL further said that Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) is being kept on a state of high alert and is fully prepared to accommodate any further diversions, having already handled up to six diverted flights. 

The AASL added that one scheduled flight from Jaffna International Airport has been cancelled in consideration of prevailing weather risks.

“We strongly urge all individuals scheduled to travel to or BIA today and tomorrow to contact their respective airlines immediately for the most current and specific flight status information before traveling to the airport,” it added. (Newswire)