Sri Lanka, March 19 -- The Sri Lankan government has begun preliminary discussions with Emirates and Qatar Airways on the potential use of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport as an alternative transit hub, amid escalating geopolitical tensions disrupting key aviation routes in the Middle East.

This was confirmed by the Deputy Minister of Aviation, Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Hiru News....