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VCBI/CMB Airport Sri Lanka: What Operators Should Know
VCBI/CMB Airport Sri Lanka is the country’s primary international gateway and a key airport for international commercial, private, and general aviation movements.
Officially known as Bandaranaike International Airport (VCBI/CMB), the airport is located in Katunayake, approximately 32 km north of Colombo. It is connected to the city by the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway, providing convenient road access to the capital.
For operators planning a private or general aviation movement to VCBI/CMB Airport Sri Lanka, there are several important operational points worth considering before departure.
1. Permit and Pre-Arrival Planning
Landing and overflight permit lead times in Sri Lanka can vary depending on the nature of the operation and the specific requirements of the aircraft or mission.
For standard non-scheduled operations, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) currently requires 03 working days lead time for landing and overflight permission applications. Certain operations may require additional documentation, coordination, or longer lead times.
Operations involving special requirements or equipment should therefore be assessed well in advance rather than leaving the permit process until the final stage of trip planning.
Early coordination is always preferable, particularly for time-sensitive operations.
2 Airport Operating Hours, Runway & Parking Considerations
VCBI operates H24, with Customs & Immigration, ATS, fuelling, handling and security also available as H24. However, there are still operational limitations that should be considered when planning a movement.
There is a scheduled maintenance runway closure on every Wednesday between 0900-1130 UTC. Since it’s only one runway available runway recovery works are carried out during this time, hence no operation is permitted during this time slot.
Also VCBI Airport is a slot coordinated one; means You need to obtain slot confirmation and parking confirmation prior to operation. This ensures the service availability for smooth operation.
3. Passenger Facilitation — Consider the VIP / Fast-Track Option
VCBI uses the main international terminal for passenger processing rather than having a separate FBO terminal dedicated to General Aviation.
However, passengers travelling on private or executive aircraft can make use of the airport’s VIP Fast Track service, providing a more comfortable and streamlined passenger experience.
The VIP Fast Track service includes dedicated assistance, lounge facilities, a separate in-house Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) process, refreshments during the stay, assistance with baggage handling, and additional passenger support.
For private aviation passengers, these services can make a significant difference to the overall arrival or departure experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is VCBI/CMB Airport in Sri Lanka?
VCBI/CMB is Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka’s primary international airport. Located in Katunayake, approximately 32 km north of Colombo, it handles commercial, private, executive and general aviation movements.
2. Is VCBI/CMB Airport open 24 hours?
Yes. VCBI/CMB operates H24. Customs & Immigration, Air Traffic Services (ATS), fuelling, ground handling and security are also published as available H24, subject to operational requirements and restrictions.
3. Is a landing permit required for private aircraft flying to Sri Lanka?
Yes. Private and non-scheduled aircraft operations to Sri Lanka generally require the appropriate landing permission. For standard non-scheduled operations, CAASL currently indicates a minimum lead time of three working days for landing and overflight permission applications. Some operations may require additional documentation or processing time.
4. Does VCBI/CMB Airport have scheduled runway closures?
Yes. VCBI/CMB has a scheduled runway maintenance closure every Wednesday from 0900 to 1130 UTC. As the airport has a single operational runway, aircraft operations are not permitted during this scheduled maintenance period.
5. Are airport slots required at VCBI/CMB Airport?
Yes. VCBI/CMB is a slot-coordinated airport. Operators should obtain slot confirmation as part of their pre-arrival planning and coordinate their operation in advance.
6. Is aircraft parking confirmation required at VCBI/CMB?
Yes. Operators should obtain parking confirmation prior to their operation. Advance coordination of both airport slots and aircraft parking helps ensure service availability and smoother ground handling.
7. Is there an FBO for private aviation at VCBI/CMB Airport?
VCBI/CMB uses the main international terminal for passenger processing rather than a separate FBO terminal dedicated to General Aviation. Ground handling and passenger assistance can be coordinated for private and executive aircraft operations.
8. Is VIP or Fast Track service available for private aviation passengers at VCBI/CMB?
Yes. VIP Fast Track services are available for private and executive aviation passengers. Services can include dedicated passenger assistance, lounge facilities, separate in-house Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) processing, refreshments and baggage assistance.
Planning an Operation to VCBI/CMB Airport Sri Lanka?
For further information about flight operations, ground handling, passenger assistance, permits, or other services at VCBI/CMB International Airport, please contact: Colombo Jet Executive Services Your Ground Partner for Executive Handling Sri Lanka Flight Support & Ground Handling 📩 ops@cmbjetservices.comm 📞+94 70 750 0994 🌐 www.cmbjetservices.comWritten by Colombo Jet Executive Services
Executive aviation ground supervision and operational support in Sri Lanka.