โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB/VCBI), commonly known as Katunayake Airport, is the primary international gateway to Sri Lanka and the main hub for the national carrier, SriLankan Airlines. Located approximately 32 kilometers north of the capital city of Colombo, the airport handles the vast majority of international passenger and cargo traffic for the island nation. It has undergone several phases of modernization and expansion to accommodate the increasing number of global travelers and to establish itself as a significant regional hub in South Asia.
The airport features a main terminal building that is efficiently divided into departures and arrivals sections, with a separate terminal primarily for domestic flight operations. Inside the terminal, passengers have access to a wide array of amenities, including extensive duty-free shopping areas that offer everything from luxury brands to traditional Sri Lankan tea and handicrafts. A variety of dining options are available, ranging from quick-service snack bars to full-service restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. For those seeking relaxation, multiple premium lounges are available for eligible passengers, providing comfortable seating, business facilities, and refreshments.
Operational capacity at CMB is supported by a significant paved runway (04/22) measuring 3,350 meters in length, capable of handling large wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350. Navigating through the airport is relatively straightforward, although the facility can become very busy during the late-night and early-morning peak hours for international flights. For ground transportation, the airport is well-connected to Colombo via the Katunayake Expressway, with options including official taxi services, luxury hotel shuttles, and a variety of public transport links located just outside the terminal entrance. Travelers are encouraged to utilize authorized transportation services for a smooth and safe journey to their destination.
๐ Connection Tips
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the primary international gateway to Sri Lanka and serves as the global hub for SriLankan Airlines. While the airport is currently expanding with the construction of Terminal 2, most international operations are handled through Terminal 1, which features a long, linear pier design that makes navigation and transit relatively straightforward. For international-to-international transfers on a single ticket, you do not need to clear immigration or collect your luggage. Instead, follow the 'Transit' signs that lead directly to the departure gate area.
One critical operational detail at CMB is that security screening is often conducted at each individual gate rather than at a centralized checkpoint. It is advisable to arrive at your departure gate at least 45 to 60 minutes before your flight to account for these potential queues. If your boarding pass lists gates R1 through R5, these are 'bus gates' located on the ground floor, which will require a short bus ride to the aircraft, so plan for extra transit time. A connection window of 60 to 90 minutes is generally sufficient for flights within the SriLankan Airlines network.
For passengers with long layovers, the Serenediva Transit Hotel is conveniently located on the second level above the main pier, providing a visa-free stay within the secure zone. SriLankan Airlines premium passengers and Oneworld elite members can access the Serendib Lounge, which offers showers, a business center, and even complimentary short spa treatments.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Anuradhapura Airport (ACJ) serves as a dual-purpose domestic airport and military airbase in Sri Lanka, located approximately 4 kilometers southeast of the town of Anuradhapura. Its primary function is to support military operations for the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF Base Anuradhapura). Civilian operations are limited, with occasional scheduled flights by regional carriers like Air Senok, FitsAir, Helitours, and Millennium Airlines, though regular commercial flight routes are not consistently maintained.
The airport features a single, basic terminal building designed for rudimentary passenger processing. Due to its predominant military role and limited civilian traffic, it is not equipped with the extensive infrastructure or amenities found in larger commercial airports. The layout is straightforward and compact, offering basic check-in facilities and a simple waiting area before passengers proceed to the aircraft.
Amenities at ACJ are exceptionally sparse. Travelers should not expect airline lounges, dedicated dining facilities, or retail shops. Any available provisions would be extremely limited, making it strongly advisable to bring all necessary supplies, including food, water, and personal items. Security procedures are in place, aligning with national regulations for domestic/military airfields, and typically involve visual checks and adherence to local aviation safety protocols.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Anuradhapura Airport involves navigating Sri Lanka's dual-purpose military and civilian aviation facility serving as SLAF Base Anuradhapura while providing essential air access to the Cultural Triangle from its position 4.6 kilometers southeast of the ancient capital city. The airport's 1,630-meter bitumen runway accommodates regional turboprop aircraft and helicopters operated by Air Senok, FitsAir, Helitours, Millennium Airlines, and Cinnamon Air, offering charter services and occasional scheduled flights connecting Anuradhapura's UNESCO World Heritage sites to Colombo's Ratmalana Airport and other domestic destinations throughout the island nation.
Domestic connections focus primarily on helicopter charter services through Air Senok's fleet of Airbus helicopters providing rapid Cultural Triangle connections to Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Jaffna, while FitsAir operates both seasonal scheduled services and charter flights linking Anuradhapura with Colombo and eastern coastal destinations. Helitours maintains charter operations accessible via +94 113 144244 hotline, while Cinnamon Air's seaplane and domestic services connect coastal resorts with interior heritage sites. International connections require routing through Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo (198 kilometers south) or potentially through nearby Sigiriya Airport for chartered international arrivals.
Ground transportation from the terminal includes taxis and three-wheeler tuk-tuks readily available for the 10-15 minute journey to city center costing 400-600 LKR, though fare negotiation remains essential as meters are rarely used in this region. Pre-arranged hotel transfers provide reliable alternatives given the airport's intermittent commercial operations, while rental vehicles enable independent exploration of the Cultural Triangle's ancient temples including Sri Maha Bodhi sacred tree and Ruwanwelisaya stupa. Weather considerations during monsoon seasons (March-April and October-December) can affect small aircraft operations, while the airport's military status requires adherence to security protocols including potential photography restrictions and documentation checks supporting this historic city's role as Buddhism's cradle in Sri Lanka dating to the 4th century BCE.
โ Back to Bandaranaike International Airport