Is Katukurunda Airport open to civilian passengers?

Katukurunda is primarily a Sri Lanka Air Force base, but it also accommodates light civil aviation activity including domestic passenger services and flight training schools. Civil operations are limited in scale compared to Bandaranaike International or Ratmalana airports.

How far is Katukurunda Airport from Colombo?

The airport is approximately 40 kilometres south of Colombo city centre, following the A2 coastal highway. The drive typically takes between one and one-and-a-half hours, depending on traffic conditions around the city outskirts.

What domestic routes are available from Katukurunda Airport?

Historically, services have linked Katukurunda with Ratmalana, Koggala, Katunayake, Dondra, and Bentota. Because domestic airline operations in Sri Lanka can change, it is advisable to confirm current schedules directly with carriers or a local travel specialist before planning travel.

What is SLAF Katukurunda?

SLAF Katukurunda is the military designation for the Sri Lanka Air Force base at Katukurunda. The site was originally established in 1944 as Royal Naval Air Station HMS Ukussa before being reactivated by the Sri Lanka Air Force in 1984.

Can I take flight training at Katukurunda Airport?

Yes, local civil flying schools operate from the Katukurunda aerodrome and offer flight training courses. Prospective students should contact accredited flying schools in Sri Lanka directly for enrolment details and schedules.

What can I visit near Katukurunda Airport?

The Kalutara area offers beaches, the Kalu Ganga river estuary, Buddhist temples, and is within easy driving distance of the Bentota and Beruwala resort zones. The Madu Ganga wetland ecosystem, a short drive south, is also popular with visitors.

Is motor racing held at Katukurunda Airport?

Yes, the airfield has periodically hosted motor racing events organised in association with the Air Force Sports Board, with approval from Sri Lanka's Sports Ministry. The flat runway environment is well suited to such competitions.

Katukurunda Airport

Katukurunda Airport is a domestic airport located near the town of Kalutara in Sri Lanka. It is also a military airbase known as Sri Lanka Air Force Katukurunda or SLAF Katukurunda

The airport is located 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 km) southeast of the town of Kalutara. It is 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).

History

Originally established as the Royal Naval Air Station HMS Ukussa, it was reactivated in 1984 by the Sri Lanka Air Force. It has been the venue for many motor races conducted 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.

Local civil flying schools provide flight training facilities from the aerodrome.

Airlines and destinations

Airlines	Destinations
Simplifly	Colombo-Bandaranaike, Colombo-Ratmalana
Open Skies	Katukurunda-Ratmalana-Koggala-Katunayake-Dondra
Skyline	Colombo-Ratmalana-Katukurunda-Koggala-Dondra
Richy Sky lark	Bentota (Commercial operator)
Asian Aviation	Colombo-Ratmalana

Nearby places

11 places within about 25 km, nearest first.

Katukurunda Railway Stationunder 1 km
Payagala South Railway Stationunder 1 km
Waduwa Ketu Galaunder 1 km
Katukurunda Racing Track2 km
Payagala North Railway Station3 km
Kalutara South Railway Station3 km
Calido Beach3 km
Waskaduwa City3 km
Dewata Beach5 km
Moronthuduwa5 km
Thambadola Ella (Polgampola Ella) Falls21 km

Katukurunda Airport

Nearby places

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