A special test flight to certify the Castlereigh Reservoir as a water aerodrome was successfully conducted today (18) under the supervision of Civil Aviation Inspectors from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).
To mark the occasion, Cinnamon Airlines carried out the test flight using a Cessna 208 aircraft owned by the airline.
The certification process of the Castlereigh Reservoir Airport forms part of the new government’s aviation and tourism development initiative, aimed at removing long-standing restrictions that have prevented domestic flights from operating to several reservoirs across the country due to security concerns.
Once operational, the new facility is expected to provide tourists arriving at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake with a faster and more convenient way to reach the Central Highlands and nearby tourist destinations.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority announced the resumption of flights to the Jalathara Airport located on Beira Lake in Colombo. The Authority also confirmed that steps are being taken to obtain approvals for similar flight operations to serve the Colombo Port City area.
In addition, two new heliports are to be introduced within the city of Colombo. The CAASL further stated that 22 Jalathara airports have already been approved for operations following thorough inspections.
