Sri Lanka Airport Guide: Codes, Terminals & Transfers (2026)

Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean known for its coastline, wildlife parks, ancient cities, tea-growing hills, and Buddhist heritage sites. For most international visitors, Sri Lanka airport refers to Bandaranaike International Airport, the country's main aviation gateway on the island's western coast. Located about 35 km north of Colombo, it is Sri Lanka's main airport and handles the vast majority of international arrivals and departures. Alongside it, a few other airports serve regional and domestic routes.

In this guide, you'll learn about Sri Lanka airport codes, terminals, facilities, lounge options, Sri Lanka airport duty-free shops, transfers to Colombo, and how many airports in Sri Lanka are in operation.

How Many Airports Are in Sri Lanka?

How many airports are in Sri Lanka is a common question, and the answer covers both international and domestic options.

Sri Lanka has 3 international airports and several domestic ones. Most international visitors arrive through Bandaranaike International Airport. The other two Sri Lanka international airport options handle a limited number of international flights.

Mattala Rajapaksa handles limited international charters and regional flights. Jaffna has been upgraded and now handles some flights to India. For all other international routes, Bandaranaike is the entry point to this Sri Lankan airport network.

What Is the Sri Lanka Airport Name and Code?

The Sri Lanka airport name most travellers need is Bandaranaike International Airport, named after former Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike. It is also commonly referred to as Colombo Airport or Katunayake Airport. The airport sits in Katunayake, north of Colombo city centre.

The Sri Lanka airport code for Bandaranaike is CMB (IATA) and VCBI (ICAO).

A new Terminal 2 is currently under construction at Bandaranaike. Once complete, it will operate alongside Terminal 1 to expand the airport's total capacity, rather than replace it.

The other two international airports also carry their own Sri Lanka airport code:

Sri Lanka's main airport at Katunayake remains the only gateway for most long-haul and major international routes.

What Are Sri Lanka’s Main Airport Facilities?

Sri Lanka's main airport, Bandaranaike, currently operates two commercial terminals. Terminal 1 handles all international flights. Terminal 3 covers domestic operations. Terminal 2 is under construction and will become the primary international terminal once operational. This Sri Lanka airport operates 24 hours a day.

Arrivals zone:

• Currency exchange counters in the arrival hall
• ATMs from multiple banks
• Medical centre staffed by a doctor and nurses
• Baby care rooms for families

Departures zone:

• Left baggage counter in the outer porch
• Telecommunication and customer service counters in the departure lobby
• Baby care facilities

Transit zone:

• Prayer room for religious observance
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
• 24-hour dining: Restaurants and cafés operated by SriLankan Catering in the departure lobby and transit area, serving local and international cuisines.

Mattala Rajapaksa, the second Sri Lankan international airport, operates a single terminal. It has a Bank of Ceylon and a Sampath Bank branch for currency exchange, a medical counter, an information desk, and a SriLankan Airlines catering restaurant in both the public lobby and the transit area.

What Are the Sri Lanka Airport Duty-Free Shops?

Sri Lanka airport duty-free shops are available in both the Arrival and Departure Terminals at Bandaranaike International Airport. All shops are open 24 hours.

Arrival duty-free is in the pre-customs area. You can pick up electronics, household appliances, perfumes, chocolates, and other international products before you clear customs.

Departure duty-free is in the transit lobby. All the same categories are available here, and you will also find Ceylon Tea, local handicrafts, and other Sri Lankan products that are not stocked in the arrival zone.

Who can shop duty-free at this Sri Lanka airport:

• Sri Lankan passport holders receive an allowance based on how long they have been abroad.
• Foreign nationals are eligible for selected duty-free purchases, while foreign residents with a valid resident visa may qualify for additional duty-free allowances, subject to the applicable customs regulations.

At the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Sri Lanka, duty-free shops are available in both the arrivals and transit areas. Products include perfumes, chocolates, and premium Ceylon tea.

What Lounge Options Are at Sri Lanka International Airport?

Bandaranaike, Sri Lanka's international airport, offers several lounges to suit different traveller needs.

The Silk Route service at Sri Lanka airport is a fast-track option. When you arrive, a concierge meets you at the aircraft, handles your immigration paperwork, and collects your luggage. The service must be booked in advance.

How to Get to Colombo from Sri Lanka Airport?

The journey from the terminal into Colombo covers around 35 km and typically takes 45 to 60 minutes by road, depending on traffic.

A free shuttle service operates within the Sri Lanka main airport grounds between the car parks and the arrival and departure terminal, running every 15 minutes.

For travel into the city, you have four common transport options from the Sri Lanka airport:

The AASL airport taxi counter is located in the arrival lobby and is directly supervised by Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka. If you prefer an app-based option, both PickMe and Uber operate from the airport.

Final Takeaway

For almost all international visitors, Sri Lanka airport means Bandaranaike International Airport. Its IATA code is CMB. It handles the vast majority of overseas flights and departures on the island.

Sri Lanka has three international airports alongside several domestic airports. Bandaranaike remains the country's busiest international gateway. 

Once you land, the terminal covers everything you need: Sri Lanka airport duty-free shops in both the arrival and departure zones, lounge options across multiple categories, and reliable transfers into Colombo.

If you are planning a Sri Lanka getaway, Holiday Tribe's travel advisors can put together a customised itinerary for you, from arrival and transfers to stays across the island.