Sri Lanka's 'Ghost Airport' Eyed as Potential Hub for Emirates and Qatar Airways

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport could provide a strategic alternative for Middle East airlines amid regional conflicts.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:37pm

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A photorealistic studio still-life image of a sleek, silver model of an Airbus A380 aircraft, its fuselage reflecting soft studio lighting against a clean, monochromatic background, representing the abstract concepts of global aviation and the challenges faced by major airlines.A gleaming model of an Airbus A380 aircraft, a symbol of the global aviation industry's search for strategic solutions amid regional conflicts.Gering Today

The aviation industry is facing disruptions due to the recent conflict in the Middle East, impacting major carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways. In response, the Sri Lankan government has initiated preliminary discussions with these airlines to propose using the underutilized Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, also known as the 'ghost airport', as an alternative hub. The airport's strategic location along popular Indian Ocean aviation corridors makes it an attractive option, potentially allowing the airlines to reroute and diversify their route networks.

Why it matters

Establishing a major airline hub in Sri Lanka could provide a much-needed economic boost for the country, which is currently facing a decline in tourism due to flight cancellations. It presents an opportunity to transform an underutilized asset into a thriving aviation hub, potentially attracting more international flights and creating a new source of revenue.

The details

While the airport has the technical capacity to accommodate large aircraft like the A380, the logistics of setting up ground equipment, catering services, and adequate housing and hotels near the airport are complex and time-consuming. This could be a significant hurdle, especially for a temporary solution. Despite this, the idea of using a 'ghost airport' as a hub is not entirely unprecedented, as Qatar Airways has already experimented with point-to-point routes from Europe to Asia, bypassing Doha.

  • The Sri Lankan government has initiated preliminary discussions with Emirates and Qatar Airways in 2026.

The players

Emirates

A major international airline based in the United Arab Emirates, known for its global route network.

Qatar Airways

A major international airline based in Qatar, known for its global route network.

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport

Also known as the 'ghost airport', this airport in Sri Lanka has struggled to attract commercial service since its opening in 2013.

Sri Lankan government

The government of Sri Lanka, which is proposing the use of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport as an alternative hub for Emirates and Qatar Airways.

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What they’re saying

“We must explore all options to keep our operations running smoothly during this challenging time.”

— Unnamed Emirates executive

“The Sri Lankan government's proposal is an interesting one, and we are evaluating it carefully.”

— Unnamed Qatar Airways executive

What’s next

The Sri Lankan government and the airlines will need to work out the logistics and infrastructure requirements to determine the feasibility of using Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport as a temporary hub. The timeline for such a project is uncertain, and the airlines' final decision will be crucial.

The takeaway

This proposal highlights the aviation industry's need for creative solutions in the face of global crises. While the success of this venture is not guaranteed, it presents a rare opportunity for Sri Lanka to transform an underutilized asset into a thriving aviation hub, potentially boosting the country's economy and providing a lifeline for airlines facing disruptions.