Sri Lanka north to receive international airport

Sri Lanka’s cabinet of ministers has approved a proposal put forward by Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Arjuna Ranatunga to rename the Palaly Airport as the Jaffna International Airport.

Development of the Palaly Airport as an international airport began in July and is expected to be completed in the weeks ahead.


Previously operated as a military base, the Palaly Airport is being upgraded at a reported cost of Rs. 2.2 billion.

The ICAO airport code for Jaffna International Airport will be VCCJ whereas its IATA airport code will be JAF.

Domestic airports in Ratmalana and Batticaloa are also anticipated to be renamed as international airports, bringing the total number of international airports in Sri Lanka – including those in Colombo and Mattala – to five.

The opening of the Jaffna International Airport is expected to take place under the patronage of the president and prime minister of Sri Lanka.