GROUNDED
Inside the ‘world’s emptiest airport’ that cost £161million to build – but has just seven passengers a week
Plus, the UK’s oldest airport that once had flights to France and even live music festivals
AN AIRPORT in Sri Lanka costing over £161million appears more like a ghost town with only SEVEN passengers using it a week.
Mattala Rakapaksa International Airport (MRIA) opened in 2013 with a grand vision to accommodate up to six million travellers a year.
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However the airport, which is 11 miles from Hambantota, has earnt the title of the "world's quietest airport", according to , after struggling to get passengers.
The airport features a runway stretching over 11,000 feet and has a 110,000 square feet terminal, with two gates and 12 check-in counters.
But all of this was part of a much bigger plan.
Hambantota was to become Sri Lanka's second most prestigious city - with a this new international airport, a £1billion multi-stage deep sea port, a large industrial zone, a conference centre, world-class cricket stadium and a number of new housing, hotel and tourism developments.
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But this did not materialise.
In fact, the construction of the airport was controversial, as it was built in the heart of an elephant corridor and migratory bird zone.
This meant, that to make room for the airport, around 2,000 acres of vital habitat was cleared.
This wasn't the only setback for the airport.
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Initially, MRIA hosted several international and domestic carriers - but with little passenger demand, most airlines gradually withdrew their services.
And in 2016, the airport was supposed to undergo expansion, which would increase the number of gates to 15.
Belfast Airport £100million upgrade
But instead the airport operated around two flights per week, and now it only sees seven passengers per week.
And by 2018, only a handful of carriers remained at the airport.
Currently, the airport serves a small selection of airlines including Bulgaria Air and SkyUp Airlines.
But the empty airport has mostly been used for storing planes or for flights landing to refuel.
The future of the airport remains unclear, as reports have circulated that India may be interested in taking over the facility.
However, no formal agreement has been reached.
For now, the airport is being maintained - even though there are no passengers.
Read More on The Sun
On home ground, one major UK airport is getting a £100million revamp with "much needed" upgrades.
Plus, we reveal the UK’s oldest airport that once had flights to France and even live music festivals.
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