Dhaka, Feb. 7 -- Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) recorded its highest-ever passenger movements in 2025, handling a total of 140,614 passengers, said the Airport and Aviation Services Company of Sri Lanka.

The Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation said the figure marked the largest annual passenger volume since the airport was inaugurated in 2013, underscoring a notable turnaround for the southern Sri Lankan gateway.

During the year, the airport also handled 703 international flights. Officials noted that passenger traffic has increased steadily over the past three years, with renewed focus on Mattala Airport following the appointment of the new government playing a key role in achieving the milestone.

In the past, airline...