Chartwell Aviation Selected for Mattala Airport Development

September 2026

Chartwell Aviation Limited has been selected by the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation for the development of airside operations at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), advancing to the Request for Proposal stage under reference MPCA/Pro/02/AASL/CANC/MRIA/045/T/2026.

The selection follows an integrated investment proposal submitted in July 2026 covering ground services, scheduled air connectivity, and cargo logistics at Sri Lanka's second international airport. Chartwell Aviation was among a limited number of proponents advanced by the Cabinet-Appointed Negotiating Committee following evaluation of all expressions of interest received.

The company presented its development programme to the AASL Project Committee at Bandaranaike International Airport in September 2026. The proposal centres on three investment areas: international-standard ground handling for carriers operating through MRIA, scheduled air services anchoring traffic from India and the wider region, and a cold-chain capable cargo centre serving the Southern Province export economy.

"Our model addresses the core challenge at Mattala — you need ground services to attract airlines, but you need airlines to justify ground services," said Pavithre Wijevitharana, Director of Chartwell Aviation. "We solve both sides by investing in the infrastructure and guaranteeing a minimum traffic base through our own operations. Every airline that follows becomes our ground handling customer."

Phase 1 investment is programmed at $35–50 million, with total investment over the 30-year concession term of $200–350 million. The development is expected to create over 500 direct jobs in the Hambantota district.

Chartwell Aviation is currently structuring its detailed proposal for the RFP stage, working with international aviation operators, aircraft lessors, and development finance institutions on the investment and operational framework.