Why Should Sri Lanka abolish Weerawila and Develop Trinco and Jaffna airports instead
The Sri Lankan goverment ( GoSL ), laid the foundation stone for a new airport to be built at Weerawila, in the Southern Province, in 2006 which was slated to be completed by 2009 and of which constructions are yet to begin . One of the main reasons for the delay has been the protests and concerns raised by villagers, environment activitists and other professionals on the fact that the areas is a bird paradise and the effects this development could have on both the bird population and safety of the flights.
However, given the current economic conditions of Sri Lanka and the geographical constraints, it seems that lengthening the runway at Bandaranaike International Airport ( CMB ) and developing the current domestic airports in Sri Lanka is a much favourable and also an intelligent move.
Why is that ?
CMB airport currently has a 3500ft runway which is only barely able to accomodate a Boeing 747-400 or a Boeing 777-300ER and is already operating near at its maximum capacity. Lengthening and widening the CMB’s current runway to 4000m x 65m would enable it to accomodate the Airbus A380-800.
True, we might not get any A380 flights soon, but it is worth the investment and undoubtedly is a must, if we are on our plan to make CMB a hub to South Asia. A title which, CMB could easily gain and that it deserves due to its strategic location and the business plans of SriLankan Airlines.
But we need a second international airport !
If Sri Lanka does really need a second international airport, there’s already plenty of potential in the already available domestic airports in Jaffna ( JAF/ VCCJ ) and Trincomalee ( TRR/ VCCT ) that are in North and North Eastern provinces respectively.
Why North ?
Northern part of Sri Lanka has less ground transportation connections with the capital, Colombo than its Southern counterpart . The economic level of the North is also at a lower level than the South.
And after all, Jaffna and Trinco, the two airports with the longest runways after CMB are situated in North !
Just look at the following map
How strategically placed are the three airports ?
( Indicated by stars )
These three airports definitely have the potential in becoming popular international hubs. On the top is JAF, while TRR is to the east ( right ) and CMB is to the west ( left ) surrounded by many other small stars.
Trincomalee Airport
Trincomalee Airport, known as the China Bay Airport, situated in Trincomalee ( AKA Trinco ) has the second longest runway in Sri Lanka.
Its sole runway, 7850ft ( 2393 m ) long 6/24, is made of Asphalt and has accomodated jet aircraft, including IL-76s of the Indian Peace Force, in the past.
The airport, with a great sea port in the city of Trinco – which is a natural harbour and one with so much a strategic natural placement and security, so that every great European power vied for its mastery – could well become a great cargo port when developed along the sea port . The airport would only need a very few enhancements and could quickly brought into international status . Since the airport is better suited for a cargo airport, it would only need a very little infrastructure development and could also cater to a large low-cost airline traffic since the Northern population is not so rich but will travel often for foreign employment .
Jaffna Airport
JAF, better known as Palali or Kankasanturei, has catered for international traffic in the past and still operates as a major domestic airport . The airport has a 7500ft ( 2286 m ) long runway, 5/23, but the runway is due for some tedious renovation since it has not been much well maintained in the recent times, mainly due to the tense situation in the North.
In the past, many airlines including Air Ceylon and Indian Airlines operated international services into and out of JAF but these have now stopped due to the war in the North . But, the war is coming to an end has now ended and this signals that JAF could soon become an international airport again. While the peace talks progressed, Qatar Airways had been actively interested in managing the Jaffna Airport and making it QR’s hub in the Indian subcontinent .The airport placed in the Northern peninsular may well cater for a huge bunch of Indian and regional traffic. While it would help the large expatriate Tamil community in countries such as Canada and Switzerland to more easily reach their homebases.
From these two possible candidates, TRR seems to be having the biggest potential to become an international airport, although JAF is a proven and tested place for an international hub .
The main reasons why TRR would take the bonus score is that,
1. It already has a longer, and better, runway and has already operated jet aircraft.
2. It is situated in an area with a less tense situation and a better safety.
3. It is located right under the M300 air corridor, making it a favourable destination and also a great alternative airport.
Developing an existing airport is always much cost effective than making an all new airport from scratch . This would not only help the national economy by saving funds for development, but also make the best use of existing infrastructure.
I am eagerly looking forward to the day some government understands this reality and this dream becomes a reality.
Great Blog! Wonderful!
Loved the stuff!
We certainly need an alternate airport for commercial jets, within SL as all commercial flights to SL has to file Male, Channai or Trivandrum as alternates due to the lack of it. This means carrying unnecessary extra fuel on all inbound flights.
Jaffna or Hingurakgoda could be a better choice to Trico as the Prima Building at China Bay (which is virtually on the approach path is an obstacle that would have to be considered seriously for any commercial jet operation). Do not think that it Trinco would meet the safety requirements due to this.
An alternate airport in the South would have been fine if not for the destruction that it would bring to the urban lifestyle there. Smaller feeder networks would be fine for the South.
I was unaware of Prima factory being in the approach path, thanks for pointing out. Btw, if Mattala airport takes place for real, I guess it’ll be a good opportunitity since HAMBA is nearby, right ?
An alternate airport in the South (iso North or East) could be ok I guess provided all eco concerns are looked into by a professional team and not decided by the politicians who even pushed for Matugama and Ratmalana not too long ago !
Thanks for your efforts and comments……let’s hope that the link would be a treasure trove for who ever in authority that has the power and the wisdom to tap into it !
Well, IMHO, I won’t believe there is an airport down there, unless I see it.