Find Major Airports in Sri Lanka
Familiarizing yourself with Sri Lanka’s major airports before flying to the country is important so you can choose the most suitable airport for your travel needs. Here are the key airports offering convenient access to various destinations.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is Sri Lanka’s primary international airport, located in Katunayake, about 35 kilometers north of Colombo. The airport is served by 37 airlines, offering flights to 51 airports in 28 countries. It operates approximately 550 scheduled international flights weekly. Airlines such as SriLankan Airlines, Air Arabia, Air Asia, Air China, and Air India operate at CMB. Some of the top landmarks and attractions near Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) are Negombo Beach, St. Mary’s Church, and Angurukaramulla Temple.
Sigiriya Airport (GIU)
Sigiriya Airport (GIU) is a military and public airport in central Sri Lanka near Dambulla city. It serves as a hub for airlines like Air Senok, Cinnamon Air, FitsAir, and Helitours, offering charter services to various destinations, including Colombo–Ratmalana, Colombo–Bandaranaike, Trincomalee, and Hambantota–Mattala. The airport primarily handles domestic flights and charter services within Sri Lanka. One of its key features is its proximity to significant cultural sites like the historic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, making it a convenient starting point for tourists exploring the area.
Kandy Victoria Reservoir (KDW)
Kandy Victoria Reservoir (KDW) is a local airport mainly for domestic flights located near the Victoria Reservoir. It offers a unique and scenic air travel experience within the region. The airport is served by Cinnamon Air, which provides scheduled seaplane services from Kandy to destinations such as Colombo and the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The seaplane base is also popular for air taxi services. The Victoria Reservoir is known for its picturesque setting, making it a popular spot for tourists exploring the central and southern parts of Sri Lanka.
Kotte Diyawanna Oya (DWO)
Kotte Diyawanna Oya (DWO) serves the city in Kotte, Sri Lanka. Cinnamon Air is the primary airline operating there, using the Domestic Terminal for arrivals and departures. It is the only airline serving a few domestic destinations within Sri Lanka. The base offers flights to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, with frequent routes from Hatton (NUF) and Colombo (CMB).
Flights to Sri Lanka Snapshot
Economy Class
TOTAL NUMBER OF ECONOMY CLASS DEALS TO SRI LANKA IN THE LAST MONTH
15
AVERAGE ONEAIR INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY ROUNDTRIP DEAL TO SRI LANKA
$878
Business Class
TOTAL NUMBER OF BUSINESS CLASS DEALS TO SRI LANKA IN THE LAST MONTH
12
AVERAGE ONEAIR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASS ROUNDTRIP DEAL TO SRI LANKA
$3659
The Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
The best time to visit Sri Lanka largely depends on the region due to its two distinct monsoon seasons. Still, generally, the period from December to March is ideal for visiting the south and west coasts and the central highlands when the weather is dry and sunny. This is also the most expensive time to visit, coinciding with peak tourist season when demand for accommodations and services is highest, particularly during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Conversely, the cheapest months to visit are May to August. The Yala monsoon season affects the south and west coasts with higher rainfall, resulting in lower prices and fewer tourists. Despite the rain, this period offers lush, scenic landscapes and the opportunity to enjoy cultural festivals like the Esala Perahera in Kandy.
Cheapest months to fly
May to August
Most Expensive Months to Fly
December to March
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to find cheap flights to Sri Lanka?
To find cheap flights to Sri Lanka, use OneAir. Signing up for a OneAir membership can let you access exclusive deals and additional discounts unavailable to regular users.
What is the cheapest flight from the USA to Sri Lanka?
The cheapest flight from the United States to Sri Lanka can be found in November, costing $513 from Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) to Colombo Bandaranayake (CMB).
Are there cheap flights to Sri Lanka from Asia?
Air Asia offers cheap flights from Japan to Sri Lanka, while Air India offers cheap flights from Mumbai to Sri Lanka.
Which airlines offer cheap flights to Sri Lanka from Canada?
Philippine Airlines and SriLankan Airlines offer cheap flights to Sri Lanka from Toronto, while Delta, ITA Airways, and Sri Lankan offer cheap flights to Sri Lanka from Montreal.
Which airlines offer direct flights to Sri Lanka?
SriLankan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and THAI offer direct flights to Sri Lanka.
Which airlines offer cheap business-class flights to Sri Lanka?
Turkish Airlines, Air India, and China Eastern offer the cheapest business-class flights to Sri Lanka.
What are the top airlines offering cheap flights to Sri Lanka from the USA?
Qatar Airways, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines offer cheap flights to Sri Lanka from New York, while Alaska Airlines and Cathay Pacific offer cheap flights from Los Angeles to Sri Lanka.
How long are the flights to Sri Lanka from U.S. cities?
Flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo take 22 to 23 hours, while flights from Newark (JFK) take 18 to 19 hours.
What are the transportation options in Sri Lanka?
Transportation in Sri Lanka includes buses, trains, tuk-tuks, taxis, and private cars with drivers. Buses are the cheapest option but can be crowded. Trains are affordable and offer scenic routes, like Kandy to Ella. Tuk-tuks are great for short distances in cities. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are convenient in major cities. For tourists, hiring a private car and driver is recommended for efficient and flexible travel.
What are the most popular destinations in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka’s top destinations include Sigiriya, known as the Lion Rock, famous for its ancient rock fortress. The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple is another highlight, featuring hundreds of Buddha statues and stunning murals. Anuradhapura showcases well-preserved ruins, while the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy is a vital Buddhist shrine. For wildlife enthusiasts, Yala National Park offers safaris with elephants, leopards, and diverse bird species. For beautiful beaches and colonial architecture, beach lovers can head to Mirissa, Unawatuna, and Galle Fort.
What is the time difference between Sri Lanka and the USA?
Depending on the state, Sri Lanka is 10 to 13 hours ahead of the USA.
Do I need a visa to fly to Sri Lanka?
Citizens of Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore can obtain a visa on arrival for stays up to 30 to 60 days. Similarly, citizens of most Commonwealth countries, like Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, etc., do not need a visa for visits up to 30 to 90 days. Citizens of the United States do not need a visa for visits up to 6 months.
Discover Sri Lanka
Looking for cheap flights to Sri Lanka? OneAir makes it easy to discover incredible flight deals to destinations around the world. Follow these simple steps to start saving on your next trip.
- Set your departure airports on OneAir. Choose your preferred departure airports, and we’ll search for the cheapest flights from those cities to Sri Lanka. OneAir offers deals from over 50 major US airports, so you can find the most convenient and affordable options.
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- Get the best unpublished deals. Dreaming of a luxurious journey to Sri Lanka? We also find the best deals on Premium Economy, Business, and First Class fares. Compare prices across all cabin classes – you might be surprised by an affordable premium seat.
- Expand your search to nearby airports. Unlock even more deals by searching for flights to Sri Lanka from nearby airports. This will show you flight prices from alternative departure airports close to your origin city.
Book a complete travel package. Once you’ve found your perfect flight to Sri Lanka, why not add a hotel room or rental car? OneAir also offers exclusive hotel, car, and activity deals, so you can save even more on your entire trip.
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