The Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Sri Lanka's primary international gateway, has marked a significant milestone by achieving an outstanding profit of Rs. 22 billion in the first eight months of this year. This remarkable feat not only underscores the airport's financial resilience but also has positive implications for the country's economic recovery.

A noteworthy highlight is that the airport has already transferred Rs. 10 billion of this profit to the national Treasury, thereby contributing to the government's fiscal consolidation efforts during challenging economic times.

The financial turnaround of the BIA can be attributed to a substantial surge in passenger traffic. As the effects of the pandemic continue to recede, more travelers have been returning to the skies, choosing BIA as their international travel hub. This surge in passenger numbers has resulted in increased revenue for the airport.

Furthermore, the BIA has been receiving positive signals from several international airlines that are keen on commencing or expanding their operations in Sri Lanka. The commitment shown by these airlines highlights the renewed interest in the Sri Lankan market and the country's potential for attracting more international tourists and business travelers.