Bandaranaike International Airport — IATA code CMB, ICAO code VCBI — is Sri Lanka's principal gateway to the world. Situated in Katunayake, roughly 32.5 kilometres north of Colombo, it sits closer to the coastal town of Negombo than to the capital itself. Named after former Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, the airport is operated by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd and serves as the hub for SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier.
Which airlines and destinations does CMB serve?
Around 37 airlines operate scheduled services through Colombo Airport, connecting Sri Lanka to major hubs across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and beyond. SriLankan Airlines covers the widest network, with frequent connections to Dubai, Singapore, London, Frankfurt, Mumbai and several Indian regional cities. Middle Eastern carriers — Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad and flydubai — provide convenient one-stop links to long-haul destinations. The airport handles in excess of 10 million passengers annually.
For domestic travel, Cinnamon Air operates charter and scheduled seaplane and light-aircraft services primarily from Colombo's Ratmalana Airport, though some arrangements can be coordinated through CMB. Terminal 3 at Katunayake handles any domestic fixed-wing operations routed through the main airport.
What terminals does Colombo Airport have?
CMB currently operates three passenger terminals and a dedicated cargo terminal.
- Terminal 1 (International) — The original international terminal, opened in 1967, remains the primary facility for all inbound and outbound international flights. It has 12 gates arranged in a single concourse connected directly to the main terminal building. Arrivals and departures are processed on separate horizontal levels.
- Terminal 2 (New International) — A major expansion project designed to significantly increase capacity. When complete, it will add 96 check-in counters, eight baggage-claim belts, seven baggage make-up carousels, contact boarding gates and passenger boarding bridges. Construction timelines have shifted; travellers should check official sources for the latest opening date.
- Terminal 3 (Domestic) — Opened in November 2012, this terminal processes all domestic passenger flights. Arrivals and departures are separated horizontally, mirroring the layout of Terminal 1.
- Cargo Terminal — In operation since October 2009, it handles all air-freight movements independently of the passenger terminals.
What is the runway situation at CMB?
The airport currently has a single asphalt runway. The take-off run available is 3,441 metres and the landing distance available is 3,350 metres, which is sufficient for wide-body aircraft including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 that SriLankan Airlines operates. A Phase II expansion plan envisages a second runway capable of accommodating the Airbus A380, along with an additional taxiway system, though timelines for this work remain subject to government approval and funding.
How do I get from Colombo Airport to the city or other destinations?
The most comfortable and predictable option for most visitors is a pre-arranged private transfer. Lakpura's private driver and taxi service covers routes from CMB to Colombo city centre, Negombo, Kandy, Galle and the hill country. Journey times vary significantly with traffic: the airport-to-Colombo city corridor typically takes between 45 minutes and 90 minutes depending on the time of day, while Kandy is around three to four hours and Galle around three hours via the Southern Expressway.
Public bus services run along the main highway toward Colombo and Negombo, but they do not offer direct airport-to-city service with luggage convenience. A rail link to Colombo Fort station exists from Katunayake, with a station at the airport precinct — a budget-friendly option for those travelling light.
For travellers heading south, the E01 Southern Expressway makes onward road transfers to Galle or Mirissa efficient once clear of the airport area. For those heading to Negombo directly, the town is only about 8 kilometres from the airport and reachable in under 20 minutes outside peak hours — making it a popular first-night stop for arrivals and a last-night base before early departures. A Negombo city tour is a worthwhile way to fill time on a transition day.
What are the customs and import rules at Bandaranaike International Airport?
Sri Lanka Customs operates a standard red/green channel system at CMB. Passengers with nothing to declare beyond the duty-free allowances may use the green channel; those carrying dutiable or restricted goods must use the red channel and submit a declaration.
Duty-free allowances for travellers aged 18 and over:
- 2 bottles of wine and ½ litre of spirits
- 2 ounces of perfume and ¼ litre of eau de toilette
- Travel souvenirs not intended for commercial use, up to a combined value of USD 250
Where members of a family are travelling together, the duty-free concession is generally extended to a maximum of two family members rather than each individual. All cigarette and tobacco products are subject to customs duty and other levies regardless of quantity. Passengers are advised to declare high-value personal items — jewellery, professional camera equipment, laptop computers — upon arrival so that re-export is not challenged on departure.
Prohibited imports include:
- Dangerous drugs and narcotic substances
- Pornographic or seditious material
- Material considered hostile to religious beliefs
For the most current and complete list of controlled and prohibited goods, refer to the Sri Lanka Customs official website.
What facilities are available inside the airport?
Terminal 1 has a range of food and beverage outlets, duty-free retail, currency exchange counters and ATMs in both the arrivals and departures areas. Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. A Business Lounge is operated by SriLankan Airlines and accessible to business-class passengers and eligible frequent flyers; several independent pay-access lounges are also available.
Left-luggage storage facilities are available near the arrivals area for passengers with long layovers or those who wish to make a day trip before checking into accommodation. Porter services are available on both the arrivals and departures levels.
Is it worth spending time in Negombo before or after a flight?
Negombo's proximity to the airport makes it a practical base for an overnight stay on either end of a trip. The town has a working lagoon, a lively fish market and a stretch of beach backed by guesthouses and mid-range hotels. The Dutch Fort Negombo and the old Dutch canal are low-key heritage sites worth an hour of exploration. For those with a full day, the nearby wetland waterway of Madu Ganga — about 90 minutes south — offers mangrove boat excursions of a different character.
What onward travel options does Lakpura offer from CMB?
Lakpura arranges airport-to-destination transfers across Sri Lanka, from simple sedan pickups to chauffeur-driven luxury vehicles with English-speaking guides. If your itinerary includes time in Colombo, a Colombo city tour can be incorporated on the drive in from the airport, turning transit time into productive sightseeing. For special arrivals or group movements, Lakpura also coordinates helicopter transfers from the CMB precinct to select destinations around the island.
