This aims to attract International Airlines to Mattala Airport.

Under this package, International Airlines which have not operated to Mattala Airport so far will be exempted from Airport Emigration charge for US$60 for a period of two years effective from the day such airlines begin operations.

Plans are afoot to give more concessions on landing and parking as well. Accordingly, discounts on such charges will be given for four years effective from the date operations are commenced to Mattala. Landing and Parking fees will be waived by 100% during the first year, and they will be waived by 75%, 50% and 25% respectively in the subsequent years.

Minister Ranatunga says that if an airline enters an agreement to operate a minimum of one scheduled flight per week to Mattala, attention has been drawn to give a 50% discount to
such airlines on their landing and parking fees at the Katunayake International Airport during the first year.

COVID-19 pandemic has hindered the global air transport industry considerably thereby putting the entire airline industry in crisis, said Minister Ranatunga.

The new package has been planned by targeting new airlines to Mattala Airport in response to this situation, and action has been taken to submit a Cabinet paper in this regard, the
Minister further said.