A large-scale development project has been planned to expand, modernise and enhance operational capacity at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), aimed at improving passenger handling and reducing congestion during peak travel periods, the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation has announced.

The project has been initiated in response to the steady rise in air passenger traffic and the need to upgrade facilities in line with international airport standards, the Ministry noted.

Once completed, the expansion is expected to increase the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity by approximately 500,000 passengers.

As part of the project, the departure and arrival terminals will be expanded, while check-in facilities, immigration and emigration processes will be significantly upgraded to improve efficiency and passenger experience.

The departure terminal is set to be expanded by around 1,700 square metres, with an estimated investment of Rs. 6.7 billion.

Immigration and emigration facilities at the arrival terminal will also be modernised, with immigration counters increased from 28 to 40 and the installation of four e-gates.

Additionally, the departure terminal will see the installation of 36 new check-in counters and six remote boarding gates, while the total number of check-in counters will be increased from 60 to 74, according to the Ministry.

The arrival terminal will be redesigned and upgraded to meet modern international airport standards, alongside a reorganisation of internal terminal spaces.

The Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation said the project is expected to improve operational efficiency, passenger capacity, and overall service quality at Bandaranaike International Airport.

Key phases of the project are expected to be completed between 2026 and 2027.