Bandaranaike International Airport
Bandaranaike International Airport lies approximately 35 kilometres north of central Colombo, in Katunayake, Western Province, Sri Lanka. It serves as the country's primary international gateway and the main hub for air travel across the island. Opened in 1964, it replaced earlier colonial-era facilities and was subsequently named after Prime Minister Solomon Bandaranaike.
About Bandaranaike International Airport
Bandaranaike International Airport lies approximately 35 kilometres north of central Colombo, in Katunayake, Western Province, Sri Lanka. It serves as the country's primary international gateway and the main hub for air travel across the island. Opened in 1964, it replaced earlier colonial-era facilities and was subsequently named after Prime Minister Solomon Bandaranaike.
The airport operates a single main passenger terminal alongside a dedicated international departure terminal. One primary runway oriented roughly northeast–southwest handles all commercial traffic. The airport operates on a near-continuous basis, though certain overnight restrictions apply. A significant modernisation programme has expanded apron capacity and upgraded terminal facilities in recent years.
Overview
Bandaranaike International Airport lies approximately 35 kilometres north of central Colombo, in Katunayake, Western Province, Sri Lanka. It serves as the country's primary international gateway and the main hub for air travel across the island. Opened in 1964, it replaced earlier colonial-era facilities and was subsequently named after Prime Minister Solomon Bandaranaike.
Airlines
SriLankan Airlines is the national carrier and primary hub operator at Bandaranaike, using Colombo as its main base for both regional and long-haul routes. FitsAir operates domestic and regional services. A broad range of international carriers connect the airport to hubs across the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe, reflecting Colombo's position as a transit point between hemispheres.
Routes
Top routes from CMB
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Nearby airports
Other airports in Sri Lanka
FAQ
Bandaranaike International Airport — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
3 common questions
- Bandaranaike International Airport is located in Colombo, Sri Lanka (Asia), at coordinates 7.170°, 79.890°.
- Its IATA code is CMB and its ICAO code is VCBI.
- Bandaranaike International Airport operates on Asia/Colombo local time.