Government has lifted the ban on domestic passenger flights from Colombo city after 25 years and granted permission for local aviation operators use the helipad at Galle Face for civilian helicopter flights.Accordingly, helicopters can land at the Defense Ministry grounds in Galle Face, the Civil Aviation Authority said.During the past 25 years, the passenger flights were operated from Ratmalana and Battaramulla.
The government has given permission for four local companies to operate helicopter flights. The four operators -IWS Aviation, Senok Aviation, Sakurai Aviation and Daya Aviation have tested flight operations yesterday and flew four helicopters in to the Defense Ministry grounds.The government said the new decision will facilitate the development of tourism in and around the Colombo city.