Landing at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) feels like a warm, slightly chaotic hug. It’s humid. It’s loud. Honestly, it’s exactly what you’d expect from the primary gateway to a tropical island that is currently rebuilding itself.
If you are flying into Sri Lanka this year, you’ve probably heard mixed things. Some people talk about the "Silk Route" luxury treatment, while others grumble about the 1960s-era toilets in Terminal 1. Both are true.
The airport, located in Katunayake about 30 kilometers north of Colombo, is a place of massive transition right now. We are currently in a weird "in-between" phase. The long-awaited Terminal 2 expansion is finally ramping back up after years of debt-related pauses, but for now, you’re mostly dealing with the original infrastructure.
The Reality of Terminal 2 and the 2026 Expansion
Let’s get the big news out of the way. If you were hoping to walk into a gleaming, glass-and-steel mega-terminal today, you’re a bit early.
The Japanese-funded (JICA) expansion project is the talk of the town. Construction is slated to hit high gear around June or July of 2026. This isn't just a facelift; it’s a total overhaul intended to move the airport’s capacity from 6 million to 16 million passengers a year.
Right now? Terminal 1 is basically carrying the weight of the world on its shoulders.
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It was built in 1967. You can tell. It’s functional, sure, but during peak times—like the 2:00 AM rush when all the European and Middle Eastern flights land at once—it gets cramped. Expect lines. Expect to wait.
Arrivals: What to Actually Expect
Stepping off the plane, follow the signs to immigration. If you haven't sorted your ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online, there is a "Visa on Arrival" counter, but the line can be a nightmare.
Pro tip: Do it online. Save yourself 45 minutes of standing in a humid queue.
Once you clear immigration, you hit the baggage claim. This is where Bandaranaike International Airport gets unique. You’ll see rows of shops selling refrigerators, washing machines, and blenders.
No, you aren't hallucinating.
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Sri Lankans working abroad often buy duty-free electronics upon arrival to take home to their villages. It’s a local quirk that makes the baggage hall feel more like a Best Buy than an airport.
Getting Connected and Cash
Basically, don't leave the arrival lobby without doing two things:
- Get a SIM card: Dialog and Mobitel have kiosks right there. They offer tourist packages for about $10–$15 that give you more data than you’ll ever use in two weeks.
- Withdraw Rupees: Use the ATMs in the lobby. While the airport loves pricing things in USD (which is annoying), you need LKR for everything else in the country.
The Departure "Gate Security" Trap
This is the one thing that catches everyone off guard at Bandaranaike International Airport.
In most airports, you go through security once and then buy water/coffee to take to your gate. Not here. At CMB, there is a final security screening at the individual gate.
If you buy a $5 bottle of water at the duty-free shop, the security team will make you throw it away 20 feet later before you enter the seating area. It’s frustrating. It’s illogical. But it’s the rule. Drink your water before you head to the gate lounge.
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Where to Eat and Wait
If you have a long layover, the food options are... okay. There’s a Burger King and some local spots serving "short eats" (savory pastries).
If you want comfort, look into the Silk Route or Lotus Lounge. If you aren't flying business class, you can often pay for access. It’s usually around $20–$30. Considering the main terminal seating can be stiff metal chairs with limited charging ports, the lounge fee is often the best money you’ll spend.
Transport to Colombo
Don't just walk out and take the first taxi that someone offers you.
- PickMe and Uber: These apps work at the airport. They are significantly cheaper than the fixed-price taxi counters.
- Expressway: Ensure your driver takes the E03 Colombo-Katunayake Expressway. It’s a smooth 20–30 minute ride. If you take the "old road," you’ll be stuck in traffic for over an hour.
Key Facts for Your Itinerary
- Airport Code: CMB
- Location: Katunayake (Approx. 45 mins from central Colombo via highway).
- Airlines: SriLankan Airlines is the hub carrier, but Qatar, Emirates, and Etihad are massive players here.
- Wi-Fi: It exists. It’s "sorta" fast. Don't rely on it for a Zoom call.
Actionable Next Steps for Travelers
To make your experience at Bandaranaike International Airport as painless as possible, follow this checklist:
- Pre-register your ETA: Use the official government portal before you fly.
- Download PickMe: It’s the local version of Uber and usually has better rates for airport transfers.
- Pack an empty water bottle: Fill it up at the filtered water stations inside the gate area after the final security check.
- Check flight status early: With the Terminal 2 construction starting later in 2026, terminal shifts and gate changes might happen with very little notice.
The airport isn't perfect, but it’s the gateway to one of the most beautiful islands on earth. Keep your expectations in check, bring a bit of patience, and you'll be out on the beach with a king coconut in your hand before you know it.