Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is Sri Lanka's second international airport, serving the Hambantota area in the island's deep south. Compare airlines on Traveloka and set a Price Alert to track fares before you book.

Overview of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (IATA: HRI, ICAO: VCRI) opened in 2013 near the town of Mattala, about 15 km north of Hambantota. Built with Chinese government financing at a cost of over USD 200 million, it has a runway long enough to handle an Airbus A380 and a terminal designed for up to a million passengers a year — but actual traffic has stayed far below that. Since most international carriers withdrew by 2018, HRI has been widely reported as one of the world's quietest international airports, and it's honest to say upfront that flight choice here is limited compared with Sri Lanka's main gateway, Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) near Colombo.

Where Flights from HRI Connect To

Scheduled international service at HRI has been minimal in recent years, with Belavia operating the airport's main route to Minsk. Route availability here can change with little notice, so always check current schedules before booking, and consider Colombo's Bandaranaike Airport as the more reliable option for reaching southern Sri Lanka.

Airlines and Hubs

No airline is based at HRI. Belavia is currently the main scheduled operator; historically, several other international carriers served the airport before withdrawing due to low demand.

Terminal and Runway

The airport has a single large terminal and a runway of around 4 km, built to accommodate wide-body aircraft including the A380. Because of the airport's low traffic, its size and facilities are considerably larger than the number of flights would suggest.

Getting To and From Hambantota

The airport sits about 15 km from Hambantota town. Taxis and pre-arranged private transfers are the practical way to reach the town, nearby beaches around Tangalle, and Yala National Park; there is no rail or scheduled shuttle service to the airport. Confirm current transfer options before you travel.

A Note on Wildlife

HRI sits on a traditional elephant migration route, and wild elephants entering the airport grounds have been an ongoing, well-documented issue — the airport authority has set up a dedicated wildlife unit to manage the risk. It's a genuinely distinctive feature of this airport, not a minor footnote.

Book Your Flight via Mattala with Traveloka

Compare airlines flying via Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport and set a Price Alert on Traveloka so you're ready when a fare suits your trip. For most southern Sri Lanka trips, also compare flights into Colombo. Always verify current routes, schedules and fares before booking.