Work on Bandaranaike International Airport phase 2 gets underway
In anticipation of a steep rise in the number of passengers using airports for their travel when the lifestyles of people revert to normalcy post-COVID, work on a new aircraft apron for Sri Lanka’s premier International airport, the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) commenced this November.
It is part of the project to develop the multi-level second terminal of the BIA, where the addition of 23 slots will increase the parking slots from the current 26 to total 49.
Funded by Japan with an investment of Rs. 107 billion, the long overdue project (inaugurated in 2014 only to be suspended by the succeeding government in 2015), is now expected to be completed in 2023, by which time, the passenger handling capacity will be boosted to 15 million – from the present six million.
In addition to the new apron, the extent of the terminal area, which is 90,000 square meters, will increase up to 275,000 square meters. The number of check-in counters will rise from 53 to 149. The 21 emigration (departure) desks will be increased to 53, while the 27 immigration (arrival) windows will increase as well to 83. The air side security control areas will also expand from 8 to 30.
Enhancing the functionality of key areas such as efficiency of customer service, staff and safety of passengers together with making the airport a ‘smart terminal’ by use of the latest technological expertise is also incorporated in the blue-print. This project is expected to create a large number of employment opportunities as well.
The terminal will incorporate sustainability measures such as 40% water saving, 25% energy saving, installation of energy-efficient equipment, commitment to using zero chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) and hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) refrigerants, and preferred parking for low emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles.
The project is handled by JV Japan Airport Consultants (JAC) / Nippon Koei Co., Ltd. – (JAC/NK) together with TAISEI Corporation. Japan.
Hospitality Sri Lanka News
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