Sri Lanka is an island country in South Asia that is rich in diverse cultures and home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is located in the Indian Ocean. In addition to its pristine beaches, tea plantations, and botanical gardens, the country boasts both international and domestic airports. Over the years, these airports have been expanding to enhance the travel experience for visitors and make the region more accessible. This article provides an overview of eight notable domestic and international airports in Sri Lanka.
International Airports in Sri Lanka
The following are some international airports in Sri Lanka:
- Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake
Bandaranaike International Airport is in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city. It was launched in 1944. This airport is of historical importance as it was a significant site in World War II. Located approximately 35 km from the city centre, the airport offers many international and domestic flights through airlines like Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, AirAsia, IndiGo Jazeera Airways, Aeroflot, etc. This airport has one cargo terminal in addition to its three passenger terminals.
Address: 5VJM+3P Katunayake
ICAO code: VCBI
IATA code: CMB
Number of Terminals: Three (presently in operation)
- Terminal 1 is the old international terminal. It has 12 gates.
- Terminal 2 is the new international terminal. It is presently under construction and will be launched in 2025. It is expected that this second terminal will have eight gates and 14 passenger-boarding bridges.
- Terminal 3 caters to all the domestic flights of this airport.
- Terminal 4 is the cargo terminal.
Services and Amenities: Medical facilities, child care area, pet care, ATMs and currency exchange counters, parking facility, duty-free shops, airport lounges, restaurants and eateries, wheelchair assistance, prayer room.
- Ratmalana International Airport, Ratmalana
Also called Colombo Airport, the Ratmalana International Airport is 15 km south of Colombo. It was launched in 1934 and played a significant part in World War II. This airport offers a range of flights through airlines such as Air Senok, Millennium Airlines, FitsAir, and Helitours.
Address: New Airport Rd, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia
ICAO code: VCCC
IATA code: RML
Number of Terminals: Two
- Terminal 1 is responsible for all the domestic, international, and corporate jet flights from this airport.
- Terminal 2 caters mainly to this airport’s international and regional operations.
Services and Amenities: Medical assistance, restaurants, airport lounges, ATMs, currency exchange counters, banks, duty-free shopping
- Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, Mattala
The Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is Sri Lanka’s first greenfield airport. It was inaugurated in 2013 by then-president Maharaj Rajapaksha and serves Northwestern Sri Lanka. Located roughly 18 km from Hambantota in the town of Mattala, this airport offers flights via airlines like SCAT Airlines, Cinnamon Air, Uzbekistan Airways, and Red Wings Airlines.
Address: 74RC+HG5, Mattala
ICAO code: VCRI
IATA code: HRI
Number of Terminals: One
- A single terminal connects all the flights in this airport
Services and Amenities: Medical centre, airport lounge area, restaurants and eateries, currency exchange services, banks, ATMs, child care, wheelchairs and lifts for disability aid.
- Jaffna International Airport (JAF), Palaly
This airport was built during World War II, and the Royal Air Force occupied and ran it as a military base. It is strategically situated approximately 13 km from the city centre, which makes it easily accessible. The airport offers many international and seasonal flights through airlines like Alliance Air, FitsAir, and Cinnamon Air.
Address: Q3W8+3X Vasavilan, Palaly
ICAO code: VCCJ
IATA code: JAF
Number of Terminals: All flight operations in this airport are efficiently managed by one passenger terminal.
Services and Amenities: Medical assistance, restaurants, airport lounges, ATMs, currency exchange services, duty-free shopping, baby care facilities, disability aid, and prayer room.
Domestic Airports in Sri Lanka
The following are the notable domestic airports in Sri Lanka:
- Anuradhapura Airport, Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura Airport is one of Sri Lanka’s domestic airports and also serves as a military airbase. Located about 99 metres above sea level and approximately 4.6 km from the city centre, the airport handles domestic and chartered flights operated by airlines such as Helitours, Millennium Airlines, Air Senok, and FitsAir.
Address: 8C3H+HH4, A13, Anuradhapura
ICAO code: VCCA
IATA code: ACJ
Number of Terminals: A single terminal serves all arrivals and departures.
Services and Amenities: Food courts and medical services.
- Sigiriya Airport, Dambulla
Launched in 1942 as an airbase by the Royal Air Force during World War II, the Sigiriya Airport is strategically situated about 3.2 km from the city centre. This domestic airport doubles as a military airbase. The airport serves as a domestic hub for popular airlines such as Millennium Airlines, Cinnamon Air, Air Senok, FitsAir, and Helitours.
Address: XP4H+6FG, Sigiriya
ICAO code: VCCS
IATA code: GIU
Number of Terminals: A single terminal caters to all of this airport’s flights.
Services and Amenities: Airport lounges, duty-free shopping, eateries, airport lounges
- Koggala Airport (KCT), Galle
Koggala Airport, which was rebuilt in 1942, served as a military base for the Royal Air Force during World War II. Located about 10 km from Galle, the airport holds historical significance from that era. It currently operates domestic flights through airlines such as Air Senok, Cinnamon Air, and FitsAir.
Address: X8VC+R6H, Koggala
ICAO code: VCCK
IATA code: KCT
Number of Terminals: One terminal serves all flights into and out of the airport.
Services and Amenities: Medical services and ATMs
Conclusion
The airline industry in Sri Lanka is unique and rapidly evolving, driven by the growing tourism market. Sri Lankan airports have been improving and expanding to accommodate the increasing population and to enhance services for tourists and regular visitors. For frequent travellers who prefer air travel, we have curated this overview as a starting point.
Before embarking on your visit to Sri Lanka, it is important to take all necessary precautionary measures. This includes acquiring travel insurance, which can protect you against cancelled or delayed flights, lost luggage, and more. Purchasing travel insurance online can provide peace of mind while you navigate an unfamiliar environment.
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