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SriLankan Airlines is set to introduce self-check-in services at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) as the country prepares for an expected influx of more than 300,000 tourists in December. The new digital upgrade aims to enhance efficiency, reduce congestion, and elevate the overall passenger experience.
BIA Set to Launch Self-Check-In Services as Tourist Arrivals Surge
SriLankan Airlines’ Airport and Ground Services division has announced the upcoming launch of self-check-in services at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). The move comes just in time for the busy winter travel season, during which Sri Lanka is expecting over 300,000 tourists in December alone.
This enhancement follows the installation of 20 new self-check-in kiosks last month, increasing the total number of kiosks to 28. According to SriLankan Airlines, this expansion strengthens airport efficiency and supports the country’s broader tourism development goals.
Growing Popularity of Self-Service
Since the introduction of self-check-in kiosks in 2023, passenger uptake has grown steadily. At present, 15% of SriLankan Airlines passengers departing from BIA use the kiosks to complete their check-in process. This shift towards digital self-service has significantly helped reduce queues and congestion at the departure terminal.
Passengers can now:
Select preferred seats
Print their own boarding passes
Generate bag tags
—all through a fast and user-friendly system.
Extending Services to Customer Airlines
Deepal Pallegangoda, Head of Airport and Ground Services at SriLankan Airlines, stated that the service will now be extended to customer airlines, whose passengers make up around 60% of those handled by the airline.
He emphasised that SriLankan aims to deliver a seamless check-in experience for all outbound passengers from Colombo, averaging over 300,000 travellers per month. The upgraded facilities will also support the airport’s long-term capacity improvements while highlighting the airline’s leadership in digital airport solutions within the region.
Singapore Airlines will be the first foreign carrier to adopt the new self-check-in system for its passengers in Colombo, with more airlines expected to follow.
BIA Prepares for Winter Travel Demand
With thousands of inbound, outbound, and transit passengers moving through BIA daily, SriLankan Airport and Ground Services remains the primary touchpoint for most travellers. As winter travel demand surges, the airline says it is fully prepared to accommodate rising passenger numbers through increased digitalisation and enhanced operational readiness.
