BIA Arrival Lobby to Undergo Redesign for Enhanced Passenger Experience

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BIA Arrival Lobby to Undergo Redesign for Enhanced Passenger Experience

Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is set to undergo a significant redesign of its Arrival Lobby to enhance the passenger experience, particularly for the increasing number of tourists visiting Sri Lanka. The initiative, spearheaded by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited (AASL), aims to create a more efficient and welcoming environment for travelers.

Key improvements in the redesign include:

  • Relocation and expansion of ATM machines to minimize congestion and reduce waiting times.
  • Expansion of the Arrival Lobby area to provide a more spacious and comfortable setting for passengers.
  • Establishment of a central travel information counter to assist arriving tourists with essential services and inquiries.

Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) Harsha Abeywickrema, Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL), emphasized the importance of these changes in response to rising tourist arrivals:

“We have observed a significant increase in tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka, particularly in the last quarter of 2024, with the momentum continuing into 2025. In January 2025, daily tourist arrivals averaged around 8,150, reflecting a 23% increase compared to the 6,700 daily arrivals recorded in January 2024.

However, the current Arrival Lobby layout has led to congestion, partly due to insufficient ATM machines and limited space. Following a visit by Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, to BIA, we decided to redesign and expand the Arrival Lobby to better accommodate the growing number of passengers.

The redesign will include an increase in the number of ATM machines to reduce waiting times and the relocation of the Sri Lanka Tourism Travel Information Counter to a central location, ensuring tourists are warmly welcomed and assisted upon arrival.”

These enhancements align with AASL’s broader strategy to improve the passenger experience and manage the increasing volume of travelers at BIA until the completion of Terminal 2 in March 2028. The planned improvements reflect Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening its position as a leading travel destination and ensuring a seamless airport experience for all visitors.