CMBVCBILarge Airport

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport

Colombo, Sri Lanka30 ft elevation

Plan transport

IATA

CMB

Three-letter passenger code.

ICAO

VCBI

Operational aviation identifier.

Elevation

30 ft

The airport is close to sea level, a detail travelers often notice in coastal weather and approach views.

Coordinates

7.18, 79.88

Colombo map position.

Airport scale

Large Regional Gateway

The airport is easier to read than the largest hubs, but schedules can cluster around regional arrival and departure waves.

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport overview

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB) serves Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is listed as a large regional gateway, so this guide focuses on practical location context, airport identifiers, nearby alternates, and the details travelers can verify before planning a route through CMB.

The airport sits at 30 feet above sea level. Its coordinates are 7.1808, 79.8841, which helps travelers compare the airport with city access points and other airports in Sri Lanka.

Nearby alternatives include Dandugama Seaplane Base (DGM) and Kelani-Peliyagoda Seaplane Base (KEZ). Compare those pages when checking backup airports, local access, or regional routing across Asia.

CMB planning callout

Expect dense peak waves at major Asian hubs; rail or metro links are often the most predictable choice when available. For this page, compare CMB with nearby airport links and the Sri Lanka country guide before finalizing route choices.

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport unique facts

CMB fact 1

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport uses IATA code CMB and ICAO code VCBI.

CMB fact 2

CMB serves Colombo in Sri Lanka.

CMB fact 3

In this directory, it ranks #8 by estimated passenger scale among listed Sri Lanka airports.

CMB fact 4

Across Asia, this airport ranks #296 in the current featured airport set.

CMB fact 5

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport is classified as a large regional gateway, based on airport type and available passenger estimates.

CMB fact 6

CMB sits 30 feet above sea level.

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport facilities

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport restaurants

At CMB, check whether dining is concentrated landside or airside before settling near the gate.

CMB lounges

For Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport, lounge access usually depends on airline, alliance status, cabin, or paid-entry rules.

CMB WiFi

Use airport WiFi for maps, airline alerts, and transport bookings before leaving Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport.

Colombo airport parking

For departures from Colombo, compare terminal-adjacent parking with long-stay lots and shuttle timing.

CMB accessibility

Request mobility assistance with your airline before traveling through Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport; same-day help can be slower at peak times.

CMB ATMs

ATMs are most useful for small arrival cash needs in Sri Lanka; compare fees before withdrawing large amounts.

CMB currency exchange

Currency desks at Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport are convenient after arrival, but city rates may be better for larger exchanges.

CMB car rental

Save CMB as your return point and follow airport rental-car signs rather than only city directions.

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport airport hotels

Airport hotels near Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport are useful for early departures, long layovers, and weather-sensitive connections.

CMB medical help

For urgent health needs at CMB, ask airport staff for first aid or the nearest medical room.

CMB charging

At Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport, charge devices before boarding if you rely on mobile boarding passes, maps, or rideshare pickup.

CMB business travel

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport business travelers should verify lounge, workspace, and fast-track options before peak departure waves.

CMB family travel

Families using CMB should confirm stroller rules, family rooms, and walking distances before security.

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport terminals

CMB terminal planning

Terminal layouts at Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport can change by airline, route, and operating day. Confirm your CMB terminal after check-in, then use airport signage for transfers, baggage claim, and ground transport.

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport transportation

CMB taxi and rideshare

Taxi or rideshare is the simplest choice at CMB when arriving late or carrying luggage into Colombo.

CMB train or metro

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport travelers should check rail or metro options first, because large Asia gateways often have strong fixed-link access.

CMB bus and coaches

Bus service is usually the best-value option for Colombo, but confirm stop location and operating hours for early departures from CMB.

CMB driving and car rental

For rental cars, save the airport code CMB in navigation and follow terminal-specific return signs rather than only city-center directions.

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport location

CMB

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport

7.1808, 79.8841

Dandugama Seaplane Base

8 km from CMB

Kelani-Peliyagoda Seaplane Base

26 km from CMB

Beira Lake Seaplane Base

28 km from CMB

Diyawanna Oya Seaplane Base

31 km from CMB

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport traveler tips

CMB tip 1

Check the departure board before settling in; smaller schedules can cluster around a few busy waves.

CMB tip 2

Weather delays are usually more tied to regional systems than airport elevation.

CMB tip 3

For international departures, leave time for document checks before security as well as any terminal train or shuttle.

CMB tip 4

For photos and window views, note the field orientation around 7.18 latitude and 79.88 longitude.

CMB tip 5

Morning departures are often smoother when you pre-book parking, rideshare, or rail tickets.

CMB tip 6

Expect dense peak waves at major Asian hubs; rail or metro links are often the most predictable choice when available.

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport FAQ

Where is Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport located?

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB) is located in Colombo, Sri Lanka, at coordinates 7.1808, 79.8841.

What is the IATA code for Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport?

The IATA code for Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport is CMB. Its ICAO code is VCBI.

Is Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport a large airport?

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport is classified as a large airport in the OurAirports dataset and reads as a large regional gateway in this guide. The airport is easier to read than the largest hubs, but schedules can cluster around regional arrival and departure waves.

How early should I arrive at CMB?

For Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport, arrive earlier during morning and evening departure banks. International travelers should generally plan more buffer than domestic travelers, especially if bags or document checks are involved.

What elevation is Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport?

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport is 30 feet above sea level; The airport is close to sea level, a detail travelers often notice in coastal weather and approach views..

Does Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport have scheduled airline service?

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport is marked as having scheduled service in the current airport dataset.

What city does CMB serve?

CMB primarily serves Colombo and the surrounding region.

Are there nearby airports to CMB?

Nearby comparison airports include Dandugama Seaplane Base (DGM) and Kelani-Peliyagoda Seaplane Base (KEZ).

What transport should I check first at CMB?

Expect dense peak waves at major Asian hubs; rail or metro links are often the most predictable choice when available. For Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport, compare fixed-link transit, official taxis, rideshare pickup, and hotel transfer options before arrival.

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport related airports

JAF

Jaffna International Airport

Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

33 ft

AsiaGuide

RML

Colombo Ratmalana International Airport

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

22 ft

AsiaGuide

ACJ

Anuradhapura Airport

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Type

Medium Airport

Elevation

324 ft

AsiaGuide

ADP

Ampara Airport

Ampara, Sri Lanka

Type

Medium Airport

Elevation

150 ft

AsiaGuide

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