Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport Guide
Bandaranaike International Airport is Sri Lanka's main gateway for international air travel, sited at Katunayake near Negombo. The site began as a Royal Air Force airfield during the Second World War, later redeveloped for civil use and opened for international operations in 1967; it was renamed after Prime Minister S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike in 1970.
The airport runs on a single runway, unusual for a facility handling close to 9 million passengers a year. SriLankan Airlines operates its main hub here, linking Colombo to the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia along routes such as Dubai, Male, Chennai and Doha. A second parallel runway has been proposed to ease capacity pressure as traffic keeps rising.
State-owned Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited manages the site, along with several other civil airports across the country. Construction continues on a second international terminal, while cargo handling has expanded since the dedicated cargo terminal opened in 2009.
Services
4 of 6 availableCompare 13 listed options at Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport, spanning parking, car rentals, lounges and hotels. Each guide sets out locations, distance from the airport, key features and links to book direct, so you can weigh cost against convenience before you fly. Select a service below to see every provider we track for Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport.
Location
Key facts
- Size
- 8.8M passengers (2024)1 runwayopened 1967
- Location
- 7.181, 79.884
- Operator
- Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited
Terminals
2 terminalsBandaranaike International Colombo Airport has 2 passenger terminals — Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, handling both international and domestic flights for around 9 airlines. Check which terminal your airline uses before you travel, as check-in, security and boarding points differ between them, and moving from one to another can take time.
- Terminal 1International
SriLankan Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific, IndiGo
- Terminal 3Domestic
Cinnamon Air
Nearby cities
4 citiesBandaranaike International Colombo Airport is closest to Negombo (10 km northwest), and also serves Wattala, Gampaha and other nearby areas. With 4 towns and cities within reach, it is a practical gateway for the wider region. Distances shown are straight-line from the airport, so allow extra time for road transfers, traffic and parking.
- Colombo35 km south
- Negombo10 km northwest
- Wattala26 km south
- Gampaha28 km southeast
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the airport codes for Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport?
What are the airport codes for Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport?
Where is Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport located?
Where is Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport located?
What services are available at Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport?
What services are available at Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport?
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