Where is Hambantota International Airport (HIA)?
Image courtesy of Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited. Hambantota International Airport (HIA), also known as Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), is the second international airport in Sri Lanka. The airport is named after the country’s president, Mahinda Rajapaksa.
What is the Hambantota airport expansion project?
The phase two development, named Hambantota International Airport Expansion and Facilities Upgrading Project, was awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) in 2013. The project was funded through a $100m concessional loan lent by Export-Import Bank of China.
What is the length of a typical runway?
Approximate runway length requirement for typical aircraft in the specified design group. For airplane design group III serving airplanes with maximum certificated takeoff weights greater than 150,000 pounds, the standard runway width is 150 feet, the shoulder width is 25 feet, and the blast pad width is 200 feet.
When was the first fuel hydrant installed at Hong Kong International Airport?
An automated fuel hydrant system and a state-of-art aviation refuelling terminal were opened at the airport in 2014. The fuel hydrant system is located within the apron and was constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) with a $7m investment.
Why did Mahinda Rajapaksa want an airport in Hambantota?
In addition, the Rajapaksa government wanted to revitalise the tourism industry following the Sri Lankan Civil War. An airport in Hambantota District would be located close to several tourist attractions, including Arugam Bay, Nuwara Eliya and Yala National Park. Hambantota was also the home town of the president at time, Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Where is Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport?
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) is located in the town of Mattala, 18 km (11 mi) north of Hambantota. Opened in March 2013, it is the second international airport in Sri Lanka after Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, but is not being used. The Weerawila Airport is also located nearby.