“Government Initiates Transformation of Hingurakgoda Airport into International Air Hub”.

Colombo, April 9 (Daily Mirror) – The government has announced plans to elevate the status of the Hingurakgoda domestic airport, the nation’s oldest airport, to an international air hub.

READ: Kristin Cavallari Spills the Tea on Her Hottest Hookup – Prepare for a Surprise!

Air Hub

Originally established as the Minneriya Air Force Centre (RAF Minneriya) by England’s Royal Air Force during World War II, the airport’s transition to an international facility has been prioritized for bolstering the country’s economy, as mandated by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

To initiate this endeavor, the government has earmarked Rs. 2 billion in the 2024 budget for initial construction and development. This financial allocation will primarily be utilized to extend the existing runway, currently measuring 2,287 meters in length and 46 meters in width, to a total length of 2,500 meters during the first phase of the project.

Upon the completion of the runway expansion, the airport will be capable of accommodating aircraft such as the Airbus 320 and Boeing B737. The comprehensive development scheme is projected to require an approximate budget of Rs. 17 billion, with all construction activities overseen by the Sri Lankan Air Force.

Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva recently conducted a site inspection to assess the upcoming development activities at the Hingurakgoda Airport. Subsequently, a special meeting was convened at the Air Force Base to address pertinent construction-related issues.