The next phase of construction for the Hingurakgoda runway, which includes an additional 850-metre extension, is set to commence today (15).
The project aims to upgrade the runway to international standards, enabling operations of A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft.
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is leading the design and construction efforts, with the Road Development Authority (RDA) providing consultations and the Civil Aviation Authority and Airports and Aviation Sri Lanka offering regulatory guidance.
Officially inaugurated on August 19, 2024, the project is divided into four phases.
The first phase focuses on constructing the main runway and includes seven stages. So far, stages one and two have been completed, covering 850 metres of the total 2,500-metre runway with an asphalt binder course.
A key milestone was achieved on Monday (13) when a Y-12 aircraft, piloted by Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, conducted a successful test landing on the completed section.
The event was attended by Air Vice Marshal Sumedha Silva and Air Commodore Dinesh Jayaweera, among other officials.
