Hambantota Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport Guide (HRI)

Airport info
Code: HRI
Address:
Airport Road, Mattala, Mattala, Sri Lanka
Location:

Hambantota Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is located in Mattala, about a 26km (16 miles) drive north from Hambantota.

No. of terminals: 1 Dialling code: +94
Telephone:
+94 47 203 1000

The second largest airport in Sri Lanka, Hambantota Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport – which is also simply known as Hambantota International Airport – serves the south of the country. Our Hambantota Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport guide includes details of terminal facilities, public transport access and nearby accommodation options.

Airport news

Hambantota Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport officially opened in March 2013 following completion of the first phase of development. However, the airport has thus far attracted few flight connections, with just two airlines operating daily from the facility (as of mid-2016). With reports circulating online that the airport’s main access road is being used for drying pepper harvests and animal grazing, the airport’s operational future is likely to be in question.

Information

An information desk is situated in the public area; English is spoken by information assistants.

Website
www.airport.lk/mria
Driving directions

From Hambantota, follow the B631 Highway north, turning right at Airport Junction follow the road for about 2 km (1.2 miles). From here, follow signs for the airport.

Public Transport

Public transport road

Bus: There are no public bus services at present – travellers should arrange in advance with their tour operator or accommodation for shuttle transfers between their hotel and the airport. There are also travel counters in the lobby where transport can be arranged upon arrival.

Taxi: Taxis are available from outside the terminal (tel: +94 472 03 1000 ext. 1116). The journey time into Hambantota is up to 30 minutes, and fares vary, but expect to pay around LKR3,000 – it is advisable to agree the rate with the driver upfront before getting into a taxi.

Terminal facilities

Money

There are two banks located in the common lobby area of the airport; both providing currency exchange facilities. ATMs are available in the ‘outer porch’ area.

Communication

There is a 24 hour post office in the ‘outer porch’, and public telephones are available throughout the terminal. Communications counters in the departures area provide international call services.

Food

A restaurant serving international and local fare is located airside in the transit area.

Shopping

Limited shopping facilities, including retailers selling duty-free goods and local souvenirs, can be found in Departures.

Luggage

A left-luggage office is situated in the terminal's ‘outer porch’ area. A bond baggage facility is also available at the airport.

Other

Baby care facilities are available at various toilets within the terminal. The on-site 24-hour medical centre can assist with emergencies and transport patients to hospitals if necessary.

Airport facilities

Conference and business

Currently, business facilities are restricted to basic communications services and business/VIP lounges on the second level of the terminal. Conference rooms can be found at hotels near the airport. Shower rooms, refreshments, Wifi and Internet and email services are available in the Executive Lounge.

Disabled facilities

All areas of the terminal are accessible to wheelchair users and disabled toilets are provided. Any passengers who may require additional assistance are advised to contact their airline before travelling.

Car parking

There are 400 parking spaces for long- and short-term use immediately adjacent to the terminal building.

Car rental

Self-drive car hire is not recommended in Sri Lanka due to poor road conditions and tourists having a lack of experience with the hazardous driving style. Therefore tourists tend to rent a vehicle with a driver; this can be arranged at the transport counters in the airport lobby but can be quite costly.

Hotels

There are currently no hotels near Hambantota Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. However, plans are in place for the construction of a new hotel on the airport site, which will reportedly open in 2017. A choice of accommodation is available in the nearby Wirawila nature reserve, Hambantota itself, and along the southern Sri Lankan coast.


Peacock Beach Resort

+94 472 220 159

Just 30 minutes away from Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, the Peacock Beach Resort is a luxury seafront hotel in the newly developed Hambantota city. The closest landmarks to Peacock Beach Resort include Kirinda Temple and Bundala Bird Sanctuary. Free Wifi and airport shuttle services (additional charge) are available to guests.

Tissa Road, 82000, Hambantota, Sri Lanka

Saraii Village

+94 710 377 772

Located in the Wirawila Tissa Reserve roughly 12km (7 miles) east of the airport off the A2 highway, this resort features accommodation in tree houses and mud-built chalets. The restaurant serves seasonal local fare as well as massage and yoga sessions.

Randunu Kele Watte, Weerawila, Sri Lanka

Bandagiri Village Eco-Resort

+94 47 493 1344

Located halfway between the airport and Hambantota town, Bandagiri Village Eco-Resort is a plush, environmentally friendly resort set in luscious gardens. The complex boasts a broad range of amenities, including a fresh-water swimming pool, buffet restaurant and Wi-Fi access in public areas. An airport shuttle service is offered to guests.

Bandagiriya Road, Gonnoruwa, Sri Lanka
Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.