Flights are limited. Most services at Mattala are seasonal or charter flights, so check the latest schedule with airlines or tour operators before planning.

How far is Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport from Hambantota?

The airport is about 18 km from Hambantota in Sri Lanka's Southern Province.

Is Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport close to Yala National Park?

Yes. Yala is roughly 30 km away in a straight line, so the airport is a practical gateway for safaris.

When did Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport open?

The airport opened in 2013.

Who runs Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport?

It is operated by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka), the state-owned company that also runs Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo.

What are the airport codes for Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport?

The IATA code is HRI and the ICAO code is VCRI.

How do I get to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport?

There is no rail link. Taxis, hired cars and pre-booked transfers are the usual options, with the Southern Expressway serving the region.

What is the alternative if there is no flight from Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport?

Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo has many more scheduled flights and is linked to the south by expressway.

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI)

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport explained

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (IATA: HRI, ICAO: VCRI) is an international airport in the dry south of the island near Hambantota. It opened in 2013 and is run by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka), the state operator that also manages Colombo's main airport.

Flights here are limited. The airport has no regular year-round scheduled passenger service, and most activity comes from seasonal and charter flights, often bringing holidaymakers in the northern winter. Check the latest schedule before you plan a trip through Mattala.

Location near Hambantota

The airport stands in Mattala, about 18 km from the port town of Hambantota in Southern Province. Yala National Park is roughly 30 km away as the crow flies, which makes Mattala a handy gateway for safari trips.

Terminal and runway at Mattala

A single passenger terminal handles all flights, with check-in counters and jet bridges. The 3,500-metre runway was built to take very large aircraft, and it is also used for training flights and diversions.

Flights at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport

Services are mostly charter programmes, for example from Russia and Central Asia, timed for Sri Lanka's southern beach season. Operators and frequencies change from season to season. If you cannot find a direct option, Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo offers far more scheduled flights.

Getting to and from Mattala airport

There is no rail link. Most passengers travel by taxi, hired car or pre-booked transfer. The Southern Expressway connects the Hambantota area with Colombo and the southern coast, so road journeys to beach towns are fairly direct.

What to see around Hambantota

Yala National Park, famous for leopards and elephants, is the big attraction nearby. Bundala National Park, a wetland reserve for birds, is also close. The coast east and west of Hambantota has quiet beaches and fishing towns.

Travel tips for Mattala

Confirm your flight directly with the airline or tour operator, since charter timetables change often.
Arrange your transfer before landing, as taxi supply at the terminal can be thin.
Consider Colombo's main airport if you need more schedule choice.

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