In Sri Lanka, airports are more than just transportation hubs - they are the gateway to vibrant green tea plantations, golden beaches and a culture that welcomes you with open arms. From the bustling Bandaranaike International Airport, the central hub of international air traffic, to charming regional airports, these stations offer diverse insights and immediate access to Sri Lanka's highlights.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB): The heart of international air traffic
Bandaranaike International Airport is located about 30 kilometers north of Colombo and is the largest and busiest airport in Sri Lanka. The arrivals hall is a lively spectacle: tourists with glittering eyes, locals welcoming their loved ones with bouquets of flowers and the soft clatter of suitcases on tiles.
This airport was opened in 1967 and named after Solomon Bandaranaike, a former prime minister of the country. With connections to major cities worldwide, it is a central hub for international travel. From the moment you arrive, the airport offers all the amenities travelers expect: duty-free stores, lounges, currency exchange offices and local SIM card providers. Whether you take a cab, a bus or the typically colorful tuk-tuk - the Sri Lankan adventure starts right here.
Thanks to its proximity to the bustling capital of Colombo and the beautiful beaches of Negombo, Bandaranaike Airport is the ideal starting point for your trip. Within a few hours you can reach cultural highlights such as the temple of Kelaniya, the hustle and bustle of the Pettah market or the idyllic beaches and fishermen's markets of Negombo.
Address: Canada Friendship Road, Katunayake 11450, Sri Lanka
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI)
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, located in the south of Sri Lanka, is often referred to as a "ghost airport". The airport was opened in 2013 and has modern facilities, but is not currently used regularly for passenger flights. In the past, airlines such as SriLankan Airlines, Air Arabia and Flydubai flew to the airport, but have ceased operations due to low demand. Today, Mattala Airport occasionally serves as a cargo airport or for special missions. These include repatriation flights, where citizens are brought back home during crisis situations, and humanitarian aid flights, which transport urgently needed resources to disaster areas. The airport is also used as a stopover for logistics operations such as the exchange of ship crews.
Despite its infrastructure, the airport remains a less practical option for travelers heading to the Hambantota region or Yala National Park. Travel to the south is usually via Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, followed by a drive. Nevertheless, Mattala Airport shows how much potential unused capacity could have for future development.
Address: P.O. Box 67654, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
Regional airports: Small gateways to great adventures
Away from the major hubs, there are smaller, charming airports in Sri Lanka that offer an intimate and authentic alternative. A perfect example is Koggala Airport - small, charming and located directly on the turquoise blue beaches of the south coast. Here you are just a blink of an eye away from the waves. Travelers can reach popular destinations such as Unawatuna or Mirissa within a few minutes, making Koggala Airport particularly attractive for beach lovers. However, the use of small airports for short distances is not always sustainable, as they often cause higher CO₂ emissions per passenger compared to other means of transportation such as trains or buses. Nevertheless, these airports are ideal starting points for discovering the island's hidden treasures and experiencing the real Sri Lanka.
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML): An airport with history
Sri Lanka's oldest airport once served as the country's central hub. Today it is mainly known for domestic flights. Its proximity to the city makes it particularly practical. Flight tickets for connections via Ratmalana Airport can be booked directly via the websites of the respective airlines or at local travel agencies. Ratmalana Airport is an excellent choice for tourists who want to reach Colombo without detours.
Address: Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka
Contact information:
Phone: +94 11 262 3030
E-mail: amciar.rago@airport.lk
Website: https://www.airport.lk/rma/index
Ratmalana Airport is served by several domestic airlines, including Helitours, Cinnamon Air and FitsAir. These offer a range of domestic connections and charter flights to popular destinations within the country.
Jaffna International Airport (JAF): The gateway to the north
Jaffna International Airport connects the north with other parts of Sri Lanka and India. A unique Tamil culture and fascinating cuisine await travelers here. The markets of Jaffna are famous for their spices and handmade products. A visit to the Jaffna library or the Nagadeepa temple island is easy to organize from here.
Address: Palaly, Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Contact information:
Phone: +94 21 222 2265
E-mail: info@jaffnaairport.lk
Website: https://www.airport.lk/jaffna
Koggala Airport (KCT): The beach lover's dream
Located near Galle , this small airport is perfect for exploring the beaches of the south coast. From Unawatuna to Weligama - the beaches are just a short drive away. A visit to the historic Galle fort completes the experience. The airport also offers quick access to luxurious resorts and cozy beach huts.
Address: Koggala, Galle District, Sri Lanka
Contact information:
Phone: +94 91 224 2222
E-mail: info@koggalaairport.lk
Website: https://www.airport.lk/koggala
Sustainability and the future of airports
Sustainable travel is now more important than ever, and Sri Lanka is also increasingly focusing on environmentally friendly initiatives. Airports such as Bandaranaike International Airport are already using solar panels and energy-saving technologies, while Mattala Airport could also play a role in the country's sustainability strategy with planned eco-tourism projects. Both airports show how technology and environmental protection can be combined to create a greener future.
Tips for more sustainable travel to Sri Lanka
Traveling to Sri Lanka from Europe without a plane? That's difficult, but even with a flight there are ways to make the trip more environmentally conscious. Here are some tips:
Offset your flight: Use CO₂ compensation programs that many airlines offer to offset your ecological footprint.
Prefer direct flights: If possible, choose direct flights, as stopovers significantly increase CO₂ emissions.
Pack light: Less weight means less fuel consumption. Pack only the essentials.
Sustainable local travel: On arrival, you can use tuk-tuks or local buses to explore the area, or use bicycles and e-bikes.
Support sustainable projects: Book accommodation that is run in an environmentally friendly way and visit local eco-tourism projects.
Stay longer: Instead of taking lots of short trips, plan longer stays to reduce the environmental impact of frequent travel.
Even small steps make a difference, and your conscious decisions can make a positive contribution.
