Ratmalana airport is ready for international commercial aviation operations after 50 years, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Nimal Siripala De Silva said.

With the commencement of the commercial aviation services, three DH8 flights, belonging to the Maldives International Airline service will fly daily from Male to Ratmalana and from Ratmalana to Male.

The new flight service to be commenced to promote the tourism industry of the both countries and a special discussion was held recently at the Ratmalana Airport premises in this regard with the participation of the Maldivian Minister for Tourism and Civil Avaiation Moosa Sameer and Sri Lankan Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation Nimal Siripala De Silva. The MoU between the two countries is due to be signed soon.