List of Airports in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a total of 12 officially recognized airports, ranging from major international hubs to domestic and military airfields that also serve civilian flights. These airports are spread across the island, providing vital connectivity for travelers and businesses alike. Notably, Sri Lanka’s aviation network includes both bustling international airports like Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and smaller domestic airports such as Ampara Airport (ADP) and Sigiriya Airport (GIU), which also have military significance.

Below is a complete list of airports in Sri Lanka, detailing their names, IATA codes, locations, and types to help you quickly find the information you need.

What types of airports are found in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka’s airports fall mainly into three categories: international, domestic, and military with civilian access. The two main international airports are Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) near Colombo and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) in Hambantota. Domestic airports include Ratmalana Airport (RML) and Jaffna International Airport (JAF), which operate regional flights. Several airports serve military purposes but also allow civil aviation, such as Sigiriya Airport (GIU) and China Bay Airport (TRR). This mix provides a broad range of options depending on travel or operational needs.

How is each airport identified and where are they located?

Every airport in Sri Lanka is assigned a unique IATA code—a three-letter code used internationally to identify airports. For example, Bandaranaike International Airport uses the code CMB, while Sigiriya Airport is GIU. The list includes information on each airport’s exact location by city or district, making it easier to plan travel routes or logistics. The airport type classification clarifies whether it is international, domestic, or military, helping users understand which airports handle commercial passenger flights or specialized operations.

Airports in Sri Lanka

Images and Details

Bandaranaike International Airport

Bandaranaike International Airport serves as the primary international gateway to Sri Lanka. It is located near Negombo, north of Colombo. This airport handles the largest volume of international passenger and cargo traffic. This makes it an essential entry point for travelers visiting the island nation.

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is Sri Lanka’s second international airport. It is situated near Hambantota in the southern part of the country. This airport was built to serve as a regional hub and support tourism development in the south.

Ratmalana Airport

Ratmalana Airport is Sri Lanka’s domestic airport located closest to Colombo. It primarily serves domestic flights and private jets. This airport is important for connecting the capital with other regions within Sri Lanka. It also supports general aviation activities.

Jaffna International Airport

Jaffna International Airport is a key regional airport in the northern province of Sri Lanka. It serves domestic flights and some international routes. This airport provides vital air connectivity to the Jaffna peninsula, supporting economic and tourism growth in the area.

Batticaloa Airport

Batticaloa Airport is a domestic airport located on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. It serves the Batticaloa region and surrounding areas. This airport enhances domestic travel options and supports tourism development in the East.

Sigiriya Airport

Sigiriya Airport is a domestic airport situated near the historic Sigiriya rock fortress. It primarily serves tourists visiting the cultural triangle. This airport offers convenient air access to one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic heritage sites.

China Bay Airport

China Bay Airport is a domestic airport located in Trincomalee, on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast. It serves as an air force base with civilian access. This airport provides air travel options to the Trincomalee area and contributes to regional connectivity.

Koggala Airport

Koggala Airport is a domestic airport on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, near Galle. It operates as an air force base with civilian flight operations. This airport facilitates travel to the southern coastal areas, popular with tourists.

Anuradhapura Airport

Anuradhapura Airport is a domestic airport serving the ancient city of Anuradhapura. It provides air connectivity to a significant cultural and historical site in Sri Lanka. This airport supports pilgrimage and heritage tourism to the North Central Province.

Hingurakgoda Airport

Hingurakgoda Airport is a domestic airport located in the Polonnaruwa district. It is an air force base that also handles civilian flights. This airport provides access to another important historical region of Sri Lanka.

Ampara Airport

Ampara Airport is a domestic airport situated in the Ampara district of the Eastern Province. It enhances domestic air travel options for residents and visitors to the region. This airport supports local development and connectivity in the east.

Diyawanna Oya Airport

Diyawanna Oya Airport is a seaplane base located on Diyawanna Oya Lake in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, near Colombo. It serves as a hub for domestic seaplane operations. This airport offers unique aerial tours and convenient connections to various water-landing destinations across Sri Lanka.