Restrictions on public entry to the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) have been relaxed from June 13, according to the Airport and Aviation Services. An official release said the entry procedures pertaining to BIA will be largely relaxed and from June 13 the following new procedures will be made effective.
DEPARTURE
All baggage checks and body checks will be performed by Airport Security personnel at a point located at the entrance to the Departure terminal. Check-in procedures will be followed at airline counters as usual. The number of persons (driver included) in any vehicle entering the Airport premises shall not exced (four) for a departing passenger and 3 (three) for an arriving passenger. All other vehicles will not be permitted to enter the airport.
ARRIVALS
The porch area will be open to vehicles carrying visitors. In addition, the Airport Taxi Service will operate as usual.
PARKING OF VEHICLES
The Vehicle Park located in close proximity to the Arrival Terminal will be re-opened. Only cars and small vans will be permitted to enter this parking lot. Entry Tickets will be priced at Rs 50. As for heavy vehicles such as buses, lorries, large vans etc., all such vehicles will be directed to the Remote Vehicle Park at Naikanda.
As was the case earlier, the Coach Park beside the Arrival Terminal will remain open to all registered tourist coaches.
LOBBY FACILITIES FOR VISITORS
Public lobbies in the Arrival and Departure terminals will be re-opened. Entry Tickets will be priced at Rs 100. The number of visitors allowed to enter the Lobbies will be limited as follows
(1) Two visitors for every departing passenger.
(2) Two visitors for every arriving passenger.
Identity documents such as NIC, Driving License, Air Ticket etc. will be scrutinized prior to the issue of Entry Tickets.
In order to avoid repeated security checks, visitors are advised to refrain from bringing unnecessary bags and parcels into the Airport Terminals.
