Discover how Sri Lanka’s airports handled 8.88 million passengers in 2024, marking a 17.6% growth in aviation traffic.
Sri Lanka’s aviation sector has made a remarkable comeback in 2024, with passenger movements climbing to 8.88 million, marking a 17.6% increase from the previous year. This recovery, while still shy of pre-pandemic and pre-crisis levels, signals a promising future for the nation’s aviation and tourism industries. According to Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka Limited (AASL), these figures underscore the resilience and potential of the country’s airports, which are key to boosting travel, trade, and economic growth.
Milestone Achieved: Passenger Traffic Breakdown
The total passenger count of 8.88 million in 2024 highlights steady progress in Sri Lanka’s aviation industry. This growth comes in the wake of several challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a currency crisis, and reduced international travel. By comparison, Sri Lanka’s airports handled 18.88 million passengers in 2018 before a series of setbacks, including the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks and subsequent economic challenges, caused a significant decline.
The nation’s primary airport, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), remains the hub of passenger activity. Jaffna International Airport (JIA) and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) have also played crucial roles in enhancing connectivity and accommodating increased travel demand.
Factors Driving the Surge in Passenger Traffic
The significant rise in passenger movements can be attributed to a combination of factors:
- Expanded Airline Services: In 2024, over 30 international airlines operated flights to Sri Lanka, including global carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, Air India, and Turkish Airlines. Notably, six of Skytrax’s World’s Top 10 Airlines for 2024—including Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines—connected passengers to Sri Lanka.
- Resumption of Services: Airlines such as Thai Airways, Chongqing Airlines, Aeroflot, and Cathay Pacific Airways resumed scheduled passenger flights to Colombo. Seasonal charter operations by airlines like Enter Air, Edelweiss, and Azur Air further contributed to the influx of tourists.
- New Entrants: Jetstar Asia began scheduled flights from Singapore in November 2024, while Red Wings Airlines resumed operations to Mattala in October. Additionally, Uzbekistan’s Centrum Air and SkyUp commenced seasonal services at MRIA in December. IndiGo’s launch of international flights to Jaffna on September 1, 2024, marked another milestone in regional connectivity.
- Tourism Recovery: Strategic initiatives to promote Sri Lanka as a prime tourist destination have paid dividends. Improved airline connectivity has facilitated a rise in international tourist arrivals, boosting the economy and supporting local industries.



Aircraft and Cargo Movements Show Growth
Alongside the increase in passenger numbers, Sri Lanka witnessed a significant uptick in aircraft and cargo movements. Aircraft movements grew by 20.69%, reaching a total of 56,289 operations in 2024. Although still below the 67,351 recorded in 2018, the increase indicates a positive trend.
Cargo volumes also saw a recovery, with 192,498 tonnes handled in 2024, representing a 21.13% growth compared to 2023. The recovery of air cargo is critical for Sri Lanka’s trade and logistics sectors, highlighting the pivotal role of MRIA in cargo operations.
Infrastructure Development to Meet Future Demand
Recognizing the growing demands of the aviation sector, AASL has committed to infrastructure enhancements to sustain growth. The long-delayed construction of Terminal 2 at BIA is set to commence in September 2025, with completion targeted for March 2028. This new terminal aims to alleviate congestion and enhance passenger experience, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s primary airport remains competitive on the global stage.
“These milestones showcase the immense potential for future growth and development in the country’s aviation industry,” said AASL Chairman, Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) Harsha Abeywickrema. “Achieving over 8 million passenger movements is a testament to the strength and resilience of Sri Lanka’s aviation sector and serves as a promising indicator of continued progress toward achieving the government’s tourism targets.”
Sri Lanka’s Strategic Position as an Aviation Hub
Sri Lanka’s geographical location has long been its greatest advantage, serving as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. With the resurgence of international airlines and new entrants into the market, the nation is well-positioned to leverage this strategic advantage. Enhanced connectivity through BIA, JIA, and MRIA has strengthened Sri Lanka’s status as a regional hub for travel and trade.
Moreover, JIA’s operations have been instrumental in improving access to the Northern Province, while MRIA’s focus on cargo and charter flights has diversified its role in the aviation sector.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the growth in passenger and cargo movements is encouraging, Sri Lanka’s aviation industry faces several challenges. The delayed completion of infrastructure projects, such as Terminal 2, has hindered progress in meeting international standards. Additionally, economic pressures and competition from other regional hubs require Sri Lanka to maintain high levels of service and efficiency.
On the flip side, the increasing frequency of flights by airlines such as Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and IndiGo demonstrates growing confidence in Sri Lanka as a travel destination. This provides opportunities to further strengthen partnerships with global carriers and expand tourism initiatives.
Conclusion
The 17.6% rise in passenger movements in 2024 reflects a strong recovery for Sri Lanka’s aviation sector. With ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, attract international airlines, and promote tourism, the nation is poised for continued growth. By addressing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities, Sri Lanka can solidify its position as a leading aviation hub in the region.
As the country prepares for the construction of BIA’s Terminal 2 and embraces the increasing role of JIA and MRIA, the future of Sri Lanka’s aviation industry looks bright. The resilience and adaptability demonstrated in 2024 pave the way for a stronger, more connected future for the nation and its people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How many passengers used Sri Lanka’s airports in 2024? Sri Lanka’s airports collectively handled 8.88 million passengers in 2024, marking a 17.6% increase compared to the previous year.
- Which airports contributed to the passenger growth in Sri Lanka? The primary contributors were Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Jaffna International Airport (JIA), and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA).
- What factors drove the increase in passenger movements? Factors included expanded airline services, the resumption of flights by several carriers, new entrants to the market, and tourism recovery initiatives.
- How many airlines operated flights to Sri Lanka in 2024? Over 30 airlines operated flights to Sri Lanka, including major international carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines.
- What was the growth in aircraft movements in 2024? Aircraft movements increased by 20.69%, reaching a total of 56,289 operations.
- How much cargo was handled by Sri Lanka’s airports in 2024? Sri Lanka’s airports handled 192,498 tonnes of cargo in 2024, a 21.13% increase from the previous year.
- What infrastructure projects are planned to meet future demand? AASL plans to commence the construction of Terminal 2 at BIA in September 2025, with completion targeted for March 2028.
- Which new airlines or routes were introduced in 2024? New services included Jetstar Asia’s flights from Singapore, Red Wings Airlines’ operations to Mattala, and IndiGo’s international flights to Jaffna.
- What challenges does Sri Lanka’s aviation sector face? Key challenges include delayed infrastructure projects, economic pressures, and competition from other regional hubs.
- Why is Sri Lanka considered a key aviation hub in the Asia-Pacific region? Sri Lanka’s strategic location connects the Asia-Pacific region, and its growing connectivity through BIA, JIA, and MRIA strengthens its role as a regional hub for travel and trade.