FlyDubai, the only international carrier operational in Mattala, has decided to cease their services. 

Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Abeysinghe said the decision would come into effect in November, this year. 

It is learnt that the airline has arrived at the decision as the operations in Mattala have not been 'commercially viable' for the company. Regular bird strikes has also been cited as a reason.

Fky Dubai ran up to eight flights from Mattala to Riyadh, every week. 

The decision comes against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan government trying to work out an agreement with a foreign partner to resurrect the airport built with the support of China. 

Mattala was once dubbed by Forbes as the world's emptiest airport.