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Sri Lanka's underutilized second international gateway in the south.
Opened
2013
Location
Mattala, Sri Lanka
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI/VCRI) is Sri Lanka's second international airport, located near Hambantota in the Southern Province. It was built as part of a major infrastructure push under President Mahinda Rajapaksa and opened in 2013, designed to relieve pressure on Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo.
The airport quickly became internationally known as one of the world's least-used international airports, operating with very few commercial flights despite its significant capacity. At various points it handled only a handful of passengers per day, leading to widespread media coverage about its near-empty terminals.
In recent years, there have been ongoing efforts to attract airlines and increase utilization, including discussions about converting parts of the facility for cargo operations or aircraft maintenance. The airport sits amid the broader Hambantota development zone, which includes a Chinese-operated port nearby.
Terminals
The airport has a single terminal building designed to handle international and domestic passengers, with a capacity far exceeding its current traffic levels.
Getting to & from
Ground transport between Mattala Airport and Colombo requires approximately a three-hour road journey, with no direct rail link available.
Airlines here
Commercial airline service has been extremely limited, with only occasional carriers such as FlyDubai and domestic operators serving the airport at various times.
Notable facts
- ›Often cited as one of the world's emptiest and least-used international airports.
- ›Named after President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who championed its construction.
- ›Located approximately 250 km south of Colombo near the Hambantota port.
- ›The airport was built with Chinese financing as part of Sri Lanka's infrastructure expansion.
- ›Proposals have been made to use the facility as a regional aviation hub or MRO center.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
