Sri Lanka, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, attracts millions of travelers every year. From lush green mountains to serene beaches and lavish resorts, this is a country that bears a heavy rush of travelers every year.
Now to keep up with the incoming rush of travelers coming to the country, every airport in Sri Lanka has to stay on its toes all year long.
There about 5 International airports in the country while the domestic airports too play a vital role in easing the travel of passengers. So, let's take a closer look at some of the finest airports that are located in Sri Lanka.
Top Sri Lanka Airports One Needs To Know About
Sri Lanka is a paradise when it comes to offering a fine vacation. Hence, it isn't difficult to understand why the top airports in the country stay busy all year long. Let's take a look at which the top airports are.
1. Bandaranaike International Airport
One of the busiest airports nestled in the heart of the country, Bandaranaike is an international airport in Sri Lanka that is located in the capital of the country, Colombo. This is an airport that serves both international and domestic airlines and features three terminals along with one cargo terminal.
While offering a convenient travel experience for visitors, the airport features amongst the finest in the country. There are a wide range of facilities that travelers can avail of here like lounges of the airport that go by the name, Sri Lankan Airlines Serendib lounge, and the Palm Spirit lounge. Besides this, the airport has a cafeteria, a smoking lounge, tea shops, and many duty-free shops.
The best part? The airport is popular by the name Katunayake Airport and also provides day room and showers for the convenience of passengers. Some major airlines like Air Arabia, Air India, Air China, and Edelweiss Air operate flights to and from here. Interestingly, there is always a part of the airport that is associated with the military while Sri Lankan Airlines operates from here too.
Location - Canada Friendship Rd, Katunayake 11450, Sri Lanka
Airport Code - CMB
Services & Facilities At Bandaranaike International Airport -
- Lounges
- Duty-free shopping
- Cafeteria
- Day room and showers
Top Airlines In Operation -
- Sri Lankan Airlines
- Air Arabia
- Air India
- Air China
- Edelweiss Air
2. Ratmalana Airport
Another international airport in Sri Lanka serving the city of Colombo. It can easily be said to be one of the busiest airports in the country, and if you're wondering why, well since Colombo is one of the top places to visit in Sri Lanka today, the majority of travelers who come to the country visit here and spend some time. Hence, it isn't difficult to understand the importance of airports like Ratlamana.
The airport is set about 15 KM to the south of the Sri Lankan capital and is believed to be the only airport serving the capital.
Interestingly, the Ratlamana Airport serves both international and domestic flights while the airport is also home to many aviation training organizations operating in Sri Lanka. As for the facilities of the airport, travelers can get facilities like immigration services, VIP lounge, baggage handling services, and so on.
Ratlamana Airport is also renowned for operating commercial jet operations and charter flights. A couple of major airlines like Air Senok, Millennium Airlines, and FitsAir operate from here.
Location - New Airport Rd, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka
Airport Code - RML
Services & Facilities At Ratlamana Airport -
- VIP lounge
- Immigration services
- Baggage handling
Top Airlines In Operation -
- Air Senok
- Millennium Airlines
- FitsAir
- Helitours
3. Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport
The Mattala Airport in Sri Lanka carries immense significance as far as the town of Mattala is concerned. The airport is located about 18 KM away from Hambantota and is a major international airport that serves the southern province of Sri Lanka. One interesting fact about this airport is that it can accommodate about 1 million passengers every year and has a number of facilities to make your travel easy.
Passengers coming to the airport can avail themselves of services like a medical center, a lounge, restaurants, and so much more. In fact, lounge facilities are heavily used by business class passengers flying from Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.
Besides, some of the airlines like Cinnamon Air for domestic and FitsAir for cargo operate from here.
What is amazing about this airport is that it is the first airport to be known with green characteristics such as planning and construction process and is the second functional international airport after Bandaranaike Airport.
Location - Mattala, Sri Lanka
Airport Code - HRI
Services & Facilities At Mattala Airport -
- Medical center
- Lounge
- Restaurants, etc.
Top Airlines In Operation -
- FitsAir (For Cargo)
- Cinnamon Air (Domestic Travel)
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4. Sigiriya Airport
Today, Sri Lanka is one of the best places to visit in Asia and every corner of the country offers something unique. Hence, airports have a major role to play in making travel easy in the country. Another fine airport that does just that is the Sigiriya Airport. Popular for being the airbase of the Royal Sie Force during the World War, Sigiriya Airport is both an air force base and a major domestic airport in the country. It is owned by the government and has an interesting history behind it.
Right after the World War got over, the airport was shut down. However, thanks to the invitation of Air Marshal Donald Perera who was the Commander of the Air Force, the airbase was reopened and again back in 1985.
While there isn't much to talk about as far as the facilities and services of the airport are concerned, there are many top airlines that operate from here like Air Senok, Millennium Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, FitsAir, and Helitours. Hence, if you're visiting Dambulla in Sri Lanka, the Sigiriya Airport is where you arrive first.
Location - Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Airport Code - GIU
Services & Facilities At Sigiriya Airport - Travelers are advised to confirm the facilities of the airport with the concerned authorities
Top Airlines In Operation -
- Air Senok
- Millennium Airlines
- Sri Lankan Airlines
- FitsAir
- Helitours
5. Jaffna International Airport
One major airport that has a huge role to play for travelers coming to Jaffna, the Jaffna International Airport in Sri Lanka is nestled about 16 KM away towards the north of the city and was first built by the Royal Air Force during World War II. This is an airport that played a major role for the Royal Air Force and became only the country's second international airport to be taken over by Sri Lankan Air Force.
Today, however, it is a major hub for travelers coming to Jaffna and offers multiple facilities to passengers.
In fact, since a visit to Jaffna features in just about every traveler's list of things to do in Sri Lanka, the Jaffna International Airport remains busy throughout the year with passengers coming and going. Over the years, this is an airport that has seen an immense rise in modifications and additions as far as the services are concerned.
Location - Kadduvan-Myliddy Rd, Kankesanturai, Sri Lanka
Airport Code - JAF
Services & Facilities At Jaffna International Airport - Travelers are advised to confirm the present facilities of Jaffna International Airport from the concerned authorities
Top Airlines In Operation -
- Air Senok
- Alliance Air
- Cinnamon Air
- FitsAir
- Helitours
- Millennium Airlines
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6. Koggala Airport
Another airport that was an air force base under the Royal Air Force is Koggala Airport. Utilized for both domestic and military purposes today, this is an airport that has made a momentous contribution during the world war. Interestingly, an airport that served only seaplanes before the world war is now set to be upgraded into an international airbase. The government of Sri Lanka has plans to upgrade the airport. Besides, looking at its close proximity to the city of Galle, the airport is certainly going to be much busier in the coming days.
Location - Koggala, Sri Lanka
Airport Code - KCT
Services & Facilities At Koggala Airport- There isn't much to speak about as far as the facilities are concerned at the Koggala Airport. However, the Sri Lankan government has plans to upgrade the airport to international standards which would certainly lead to more facilities being offered.
Top Airlines In Operation -
- Cinnamon Air
- Sri Lankan Airlines
One of the most gorgeous countries around the world, Sri Lanka attracts millions of travelers every year. There are many domestic and international airports in Sri Lanka that remain busy almost throughout the year, and with the government planning to invest more in the airports, the signs for tourism in this country are good.
So, if you're planning your vacation in Sri Lanka, make sure to be aware about the top airports functioning in the country. Book your Sri Lanka flight ticket today and experience a vacation like no other.
FAQs
Although it clearly depends upon the personal choices of travelers, the best time to visit Sri Lanka on a vacation is during the winters. It is the time when the temperatures in the country are on the lower side and travelers can enjoy the best possible weather.
Bandaranaike International Airport is the main International airport in Sri Lanka and remains busy throughout the year. The airport serves both international and domestic airlines and features three terminals along with one cargo terminal.
Yes, the Jaffna International Airport in Sri Lanka is nestled about 16 KM away towards the north of the city and was first built by the Royal Air Force during World War II. This airport is, in fact, the major hub for travelers coming to Jaffna.
The Ratlamana airport is set about 15 KM to the south of the Sri Lankan capital and is believed to be the only airport serving the capital. This is an airport that is highly popular and features a number of facilities for passengers.
Yes, Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and has gained its status as a popular holiday destination in Asia. Today, millions of travelers come to this country year to spend a vacation. Hence, a vacation in Sri Lanka isn't a bad choice.
Yes, Sri Lanka does offer a visa on arrival for travelers coming from the most popular nations. For example, an Indian traveler can get a visa on arrival. However, in order to get the visa, a traveler is required to apply for a Sri Lanka ETA before leaving for the country.
Sri Lanka is a country that is home to many lavish hotels and resorts. Some of the most popular resorts and hotels in the country include -
- Anantara Kalutara Resort
- Uga Jungle Beach
- Amangalla
- Galle Face Hotel
- Jetwing Vil Uyana
- Jetwing Kandy Gallery
- Theva Residency
Sri Lanka is a country that can compel you to stay longer. However, one can still look to spend at least a week in the country as there are many locations to explore here.
