{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Airport",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry": "Sri Lanka",
    "addressLocality": "Hambantota"
  },
  "airlines": [
    "SriLankan Airlines",
    "Red Wings",
    "Belavia",
    "Cinnamon Air"
  ],
  "amenityFeature": [
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "60 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to International Connection Time",
      "value": "120 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "120 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to International Connection Time",
      "value": "180 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Interline Connection Time",
      "value": "180 minutes"
    }
  ],
  "city": "Hambantota",
  "code": "HRI",
  "comparison_tool_link": "/compare/HRI",
  "connection_tips": "Connecting through Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) is a unique experience, as the facility is known for being one of the world\u2019s least busy international airports. While it remains fully operational, scheduled flights are limited, primarily consisting of seasonal international charters from Eastern Europe and Russia. Because of this low frequency, the airport does not handle traditional 'single-ticket' connections between major airlines. If you are self-transferring between an international charter and a domestic service, you must clear immigration, retrieve your bags from the single carousel area, and pass through customs.\n\nA connection time of at least two hours is recommended for these transfers to account for manual processing. Ground transportation is the most critical logistical challenge at HRI. There are virtually no public buses or regular taxi ranks at the terminal during quiet periods. It is essential to pre-book a private transfer or hotel shuttle at least 24 hours in advance to ensure a vehicle is waiting for you upon arrival.\n\nPopular destinations like Yala National Park (45 minutes) and the hill country town of Ella (2 hours) are best reached via the Southern Expressway. A unique local tip: because the airport is situated in a wildlife-rich region, be alert for wild elephants on the access roads, especially if traveling at dawn or dusk. The terminal offers basic amenities including free Wi-Fi, a small airside restaurant, and an executive lounge on the second level. Be aware that most international flights arrive during the nighttime or early morning, so confirm that your accommodation in Hambantota or Yala offers 24-hour check-in.",
  "country": "Sri Lanka",
  "flag_url": "https://flagcdn.com/w320/lk.png",
  "flight_search_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=LKR",
  "frequent_traveler_tip": [
    "Allow 2+ hours for international check-in at this airport.",
    "Customs/immigration adds 30-60min at this airport.",
    "Single terminal makes navigation easy at this airport.",
    "Ground transport: Taxis available at arrivals curb at this airport.",
    "Dining options available in terminal at this airport."
  ],
  "global_map_link": "https://www.google.com/maps?q=Mattala+Rajapaksa+International+Airport+Sri+Lanka",
  "google_maps_reviews": {
    "rating": 0.0,
    "recent_reviews": [],
    "total_reviews": 0
  },
  "hotel_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=LKR",
  "iataCode": "HRI",
  "icao": "VCRI",
  "international": true,
  "last_modified": "June 2026",
  "last_updated": "2026-03-29",
  "latitude": 6.29,
  "layover_planner_info": "The terminal is comfortable for short waits, but there are limited entertainment options if your layover exceeds 4 hours. Nearby Hambantota offers international-standard hotels and golf resorts for those with a significant wait or an overnight stay between flights. There are no on-site luggage lockers at the terminal.",
  "longitude": 81.12,
  "mct_domestic_to_domestic": 60,
  "mct_domestic_to_international": 120,
  "mct_interline": 180,
  "mct_international_to_domestic": 120,
  "mct_international_to_international": 180,
  "missed_connection_help": "In the event of a missed flight, proceed to the airline service desk in the main check-in hall. Since frequencies at HRI can be limited to specific days of the week, staff may assist with arranging ground transport to Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for alternative flight options. For urgent assistance, contact the airport management office located on the first floor.",
  "name": "Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport",
  "region": "Southern Asia",
  "related_airports": [
    {
      "code": "CMB",
      "name": "Bandaranaike International Airport"
    },
    {
      "code": "DIW",
      "name": "Dickwella Airport"
    },
    {
      "code": "KCT",
      "name": "Koggala Airport"
    },
    {
      "code": "WRZ",
      "name": "Weerawila Airport"
    }
  ],
  "terminal_info": "Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) is Sri Lanka's second-largest international aviation facility, located in the southern district of Hambantota. The airport features a modern and expansive 10,000-square-meter passenger terminal designed to international standards, capable of handling up to one million passengers annually. The terminal architecture is sleek and contemporary, housing 12 check-in counters and two gates equipped with advanced jetways to facilitate wide-body aircraft operations.\n\nInside the terminal, facilities are comprehensive but often operate at limited capacity due to the airport's fluctuating traffic levels. When fully operational, the terminal offers duty-free shops, several cafes serving local and international cuisine, and comfortable lounge areas for business class travelers. The ground floor arrivals area is designed for efficient passenger flow through customs and immigration, featuring two large baggage carousels. Travelers should be aware that some retail and dining services may be closed during off-peak hours, so checking ahead for late-night arrivals is recommended.\n\nNavigating the airport is exceptionally easy due to the uncongested and spacious layout of the single terminal. Ground transportation is supported by a large parking area with 400 spaces and local taxi services that connect the airport to Hambantota city center, which is approximately 18 kilometers away. The airfield boasts a 3,500-meter runway (05/23) that is capable of handling the largest commercial aircraft, including the Airbus A380. Its location makes it a strategic gateway for tourists heading to the Yala National Park and the various coastal resorts of southern Sri Lanka.",
  "terminal_map_url": "https://skyvector.com/airport/VCRI/Mattala-Rajapaksa-International-Airport"
}