Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport — Colombo, Sri Lanka
← Looking for a different airport? Search hereThe airport code for Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (Colombo) is CMB — its ICAO code is VCBI.
Distance & flight time from CMB
Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport
Sri Lanka channels nearly all of its international air traffic through CMB, situated in Katunayake roughly 30 kilometers north of the capital rather than within Colombo's city limits. The airport's name honors the Bandaranaike political family, whose members served as prime ministers of Sri Lanka across several decades and shaped much of the country's post-independence direction. SriLankan Airlines operates its primary hub here, connecting South Asia with the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe, while the tropical island's status as a beach, wildlife, and cultural tourism destination keeps passenger numbers climbing steadily outside of periods disrupted by economic or political turmoil. A single main runway handles the bulk of operations, supplemented by a smaller secondary strip, and the terminal has undergone repeated renovation to keep pace with demand. Cargo traffic tied to Sri Lanka's tea, garment, and gem exports moves through the airport as well, underscoring its role as the economic gateway for the entire island nation.
Runways at Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB)
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/22 | 10991 ft (3350 m) | 148 ft (45 m) | ASP |
Radio frequencies for Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB)
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | COLOMBO APP | 120.9 MHz |
| ATIS | ATIS | 127.2 MHz |
| GND | COLOMBO GND | 121.9 MHz |
| TWR | COLOMBO TWR | 118.7 MHz |
Airports near Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB)
- Colombo Ratmalana International Airport (RML) — 39.9 km (24.8 mi)
- Anuradhapura Airport (ACJ) — 138.3 km (85.9 mi)
- Koggala Airport (KCT) — 140.5 km (87.3 mi)
- Hingurakgoda Air Force Base (HIM) — 154.8 km (96.2 mi)
- Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) — 169.4 km (105.3 mi)
- Ampara Airport (ADP) — 192.7 km (119.7 mi)
- Batticaloa International Airport (BTC) — 206.1 km (128.1 mi)
- China Bay Airport (TRR) — 207.9 km (129.2 mi)
CMB sits near Katunayake on Sri Lanka's western coast, about a 45-minute drive from central Colombo, and serves as the primary hub for SriLankan Airlines' regional and long-haul network.
FAQ
What is the IATA code for Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport?
The IATA code for Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport is CMB.
What is the ICAO code for Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport?
The ICAO code for Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport is VCBI. IATA codes are 3 letters used for baggage tags and booking; ICAO codes are 4 letters used by air traffic control and pilots.