Jaffna International Airport (JAF)

Jaffna International Airport Jaffna International Airport Jaffna International Airport

Jaffna International Airport, formerly known as Palaly Airport, is located in the northern tip of Sri Lanka and serves as a critical gateway to the Jaffna Peninsula. Officially rebranded and upgraded to handle international traffic in 2019, this airport marks a significant milestone in the region’s post-war recovery and development. It is now Sri Lanka’s third international airport, enhancing connectivity for the Northern Province and facilitating easier and more direct access both domestically and internationally.

The airport’s renovation and upgrade aimed to foster economic growth, promote tourism, and bridge the cultural and physical divide that has historically isolated the northern region from the rest of the island. With its strategic location, Jaffna International Airport is set to play a pivotal role in reintegrating the region with global markets, supporting the local economy through increased tourist arrivals and business opportunities. The airport facilitates travel to and from southern India, with expansion plans that may include more international destinations in the future.

Jaffna International Airport features modern facilities in its terminal to accommodate international travelers, offering essential services such as currency exchange, car rentals, and duty-free shopping. The runway and air traffic control systems have been upgraded to meet international standards, ensuring the safety and efficiency of operations.

Overall, Jaffna International Airport is more than just a transportation hub; it represents hope and progress for Jaffna’s residents, providing a crucial link to the rest of Sri Lanka and the world. Its operation is expected to have a transformative impact on the socio-economic landscape of the Northern Province, promoting cultural exchange and economic development in one of the most historically significant and culturally rich regions of the island.

Jaffna International Airport Jaffna International Airport Jaffna International Airport
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About Jaffna District

Jaffna is the capital city of the Northern Province, Sri Lanka. 85% of the populations of the Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts are Hindus. The Hindus follow the Saivite tradition. The remainders are largely Roman Catholics or Protestants, some of whom are descendants of colonial settlers, known as Burghers. The Tamils are divided along caste lines, with the farmer-caste Vellalar forming the majority. Sea products, red onion, and tobacco are the main products in Jaffna.

Jaffna is home to beautiful Hindu temples. An Old Dutch Fort still stands well preserved within which is an old Church. Another example of Dutch architecture is the King's House. No visit to Jaffna is complete without tasting the exquisite Jaffna mango, reputed for its sweetness. About 3 km away is the majestic Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, home to the largest religious festival in Jaffna. The Kayts Harbour is an ancient ship docking site in the Jaffna region.

About Northern Province

The Northern Province is one of the 9 provinces of Sri Lanka. The provinces have existed since the 19th century but they didn't have any legal status until 1987 when the 13th Amendment to the 1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka established provincial councils. Between 1988 and 2006 the province was temporarily merged with the Eastern Province to form the North-East Province. The capital of the province is Jaffna.

Northern Province is located in the north of Sri Lanka and is just 22 miles (35 km) from India. The province is surrounded by the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay to the west, Palk Strait to the north, the Bay of Bengal to the east and the Eastern, North Central and North Western provinces to the south.The province has a number of lagoons, the largest being Jaffna Lagoon, Nanthi Kadal, Chundikkulam Lagoon, Vadamarachchi Lagoon, Uppu Aru Lagoon, Kokkilai lagoon, Nai Aru Lagoon and Chalai Lagoon.Most of the islands around Sri Lanka are to be found to the west of the Northern Province. The largest islands are: Kayts, Neduntivu, Karaitivu, Pungudutivu and Mandativu.

The Northern Province's population was 1,311,776 in 2007. The majority of the populations are Sri Lankan Tamils, with a minority Sri Lankan Moor and Sinhalese population. Sri Lankan Tamil is the major language spoken in the province by the vast majority of the population. The other language spoken is Sinhala by 1 percent of the population. English is widely spoken and understood in the cities.

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