when we think airportUsually we imagine a crowd of people standing in queues. However, what if we tell you that there is an airport in the world that has an average of only seven people passing through its terminal? we are talking about something Mattala Rajpasa International Airport In Sri Lanka. One reason for less footfall at the airport can be considered that the airport is surrounded by forests and small villages. Although there is a cab rental office and a hotel nearby, the airport does not attract too many people.

Located 4 hours away from the capital Colombo, this airport has been described as the ‘quietest airport in the world’. Built during a major presidential campaign, the airport opened its doors 10 years ago in 2013 at a massive cost of approximately £159 million. What’s more, a lot of the facilities you see in the airport were introduced using Chinese money, as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Needless to say, very few flights take off from the 11,483-foot runway.

While there were initially plans to spend more money building infrastructure around it, as this would benefit the country in attracting more Western and Asian tourists. However, Rajapaksa resigned from his post after losing the winter elections in January 2015. One reason for his defeat in the election was that his vanity project was incurring losses rapidly. You will be surprised to know that the unused air cargo terminals of the airport were leased out to store the bumper crop of rice. What’s more, the 12 desks that were designed to serve the expected 1 million passengers are lying deserted.

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