India Eyes Strategic Foothold at Sri Lanka's 'World's Emptiest Airport'

India closely observes Sri Lanka's move to offer foreign investors control over Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. This represents an opportunity for Indian firms to establish a strategic presence in the Indian Ocean region, countering China's influence at Hambantota. The airport's development could boost India's aviation and MRO sectors.

India is closely monitoring Sri Lanka's offer to foreign investors to control the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport near the China-controlled Hambantota port. This opportunity provides Indian firms a strategic foothold in the Indian Ocean, countering the location's increasing Chinese influence, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The Sri Lankan government has invited expressions of interest from investors to manage the airport under a 30-year build-operate-transfer model. Known infamously as the 'world's emptiest airport', the facility has struggled with low traffic since its 2013 inception, despite significant investment.

The investment opportunity comes with two tracks: aerodrome operations and landside development. India sees strategic value in this development, aiming to boost its growing aviation sector with Mattala's resources, which include ample land for MRO facilities and a potential flying school.