Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo

Colombo Airport (Bandaranaike International Airport )

Bandaranaike International Airport, also known as Colombo International Airport, began as an RAF airfield in the Second World War and was developed as an international airport in 1964. It was named after the former prime minister SWRD Bandaranaike in 1970. It is situated 32 kilometres north from the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, and is a hub for the South Asian region.

Sri Lankan Airlines operate daily services from London Heathrow to Colombo with a journey time of 11 hours. Several international airlines now offer services to Colombo including Emirates (via Dubai) Jet Airways (via Delhi and Mumbai) and Oman Air (via Doha) with in-direct services taking approximately 15 hours from London depending on the connection.

The airport houses 39 check-in desks, numerous car rental desks, a taxi service and a shuttle bus from the airport to Katunayake railway station.

The Lotus Lounge, situated opposite the duty-free area on the first floor, is open 24 hours a day and is available for first class passengers. Business class passengers flying with Sri Lanka Airlines have the Serendib Lounge, also on the first floor, at their disposal.

There is a restaurant serving snacks and meals in the Departures Hall, and Sri Lanka Airlines has a restaurant in the transit lounge which serves both local and international food.

The airport has six banks in the Arrivals Hall, and there are duty-free shops in the Arrival and Departure Halls. It is here that passengers will be sure to find great reminders of their Sri Lanka holidays.