Emirates and Qatar Temporary Hub Colombo
 

Very interesting articles online today

https://onemileatatime.com/news/sri-lanka-ghost-airport-emirates-qatar-airways-hub/

https://www.newsfirst.lk/2026/03/20/sri-lanka-in-talks-with-emirates-qatar-to-position-mattala-as-alternative-transit-hub

It would be good if Etihad did this as I can't get insurance cover for transiting through AUH. I actually think AUH is safer than DXB at he moment.

Mattala is not near Colombo, it is on the south east side of the island. They built a new airport and now is largely unused. I don't know how they would use it as a connecting airport though, it is not very big, maybe two or three gates?

That's a non starter.
No fuel or catering logistics to speak of.
No crew accomodation.
No trained airport staff.
No maintenance.
Not nearly enough gates or security checkpoints.

Sri Lanka is definitely 3rd world
 

No lounge to escape reality.
Not enough (luxury or otherwise) hotels nearby.
Little things like Western type healthcare is practically nonexistent. They do have traditional medicine. Ran into a couple people from Nepal that had full ride medical scholarships. which brings up a little gift from my time there- intestinal parasites. And I wasn't the only one. Many other travellers had the same issue. This is a recommendation. Eat in the upmarket restaurants. Hygiene is questionable at most other places.
Do plan your trip in advance. Even transportation can be an issue otherwise.

This is not a serious idea. It's a tiny deserted airport in questionable maintenance condition, with 2 jetways. There's no way to get enough fuel there to support a major operation.