Katukurunda Airport

Katukurunda Airport SLAF Katukurunda කටුකුරුන්ද ගුවන්තොටුපළ
IATA: KTA – ICAO: VCCN
Summary
Airport type	Military / Public
Owner	Government of Sri Lanka
Operator	Sri Lanka Air Force
Location	Kalutara, Sri Lanka
Elevation AMSL	3 m / 10 ft
Coordinates	06°33′07″N 079°58′43″E / 6.55194°N 79.97861°E / 6.55194; 79.97861Coordinates: 06°33′07″N 079°58′43″E / 6.55194°N 79.97861°E / 6.55194; 79.97861
Map
HIM Location of airport in Sri Lanka
Runways
Direction Length Surface m ft 11/29 1,006 3,301 Bitumen

Katukurunda Airport (Sinhalese: කටුකුරුන්ද ගුවන්තොටුපළ, IATA: KTY^[1], ICAO: VCCN) is a domestic airport located near the town of Kalutara in Sri Lanka.^[2] It is also a military airbase known as Sri Lanka Air Force Katukurunda or SLAF Katukurunda.^[3]

The facility is located 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 km) southeast of the town of Kalutara.^[2] It resides at an elevation of 3 metres (10 ft) and has one runway designated 11/29 with a bitumen surface measuring 1,006 by 46 metres (3,301 ft × 151 ft).^[2]

History

Originally established as a Royal Naval Air Station HMS Ukussa it was reactivated in 1984 by the Sri Lanka Air Force. It is the venue for many motor races conduct in association with the Air Force Sports Board and with Sports Ministry approval.

Established in 1944 by the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy at its peak it was the largest Royal Naval Air Station, staffed by 300 Officers, 3000 sailors and 100 women from the Women's Royal Naval Service. It serviced more than 100 aircraft at any given time whilst maintaining an aircraft repair yard.

However, a few local civil flying schools provide flight training facilities at this aerodrome at present.

Airlines and destinations

References