Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (IATA: CMB, ICAO: VCBI) serves Colombo, LK. It has 85 scheduled routes to 53 destinations in 28 countries, operated by 35 airlines.
- Friendly and Helpful Staff: Many travelers commend the professionalism and helpfulness of airport staff, including check-in, security, and porters, often citing excellent customer service as a key asset.
- Efficient Procedures (often): Some report efficient check-in and immigration processes, with security procedures generally described as straightforward and well-managed, contributing to a stress-free experience. Average security wait times are around 10 minutes, with off-peak periods seeing waits as short as 6 minutes.
- Improving Facilities and Cleanliness: While there are specific criticisms, the airport is often noted for being clean, well-organized, and continuously improving with modern facilities. One review noted 94% positive sentiment for cleanliness. The terminal offers good seating areas and a nice selection of shops and food outlets.
- Good Private Transportation Options: Private transfer services are highly rated for their convenience, professional drivers, and clear communication. Ride-sharing services like Uber and PickMe are also available.
- Secure and Convenient Parking: Airport parking services receive positive feedback for their security, friendly staff, fair pricing, and efficient shuttle services.
- Disorganized and Long Queues: Passengers frequently report long and disorganized queues for immigration, particularly during peak hours, and at security checkpoints in departures, sometimes leading to wait times of nearly two hours for immigration. Check-in queues can also be lengthy and inefficient.
- Substandard Terminal Facilities and Amenities: Some areas, such as arrival area toilets, are described as being in appalling or nasty condition. There are also complaints about limited seating in waiting areas and a scarcity of charging ports.
- Aggressive Taxi Scams and Currency Issues: Travelers report encountering unofficial "helpers" aggressively pushing overpriced taxis at arrivals, falsely claiming that ride-sharing apps are not operational. Concerns have also been raised about most airport transactions being priced in USD, with some vendors reportedly refusing Sri Lankan Rupees.
- Concerns with Immigration and Baggage: There are isolated but serious complaints about corruption among immigration officers demanding money for trivial issues. One traveler reported being charged unconventional baggage fees for personal items.
Bottom line: Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport offers a generally adequate experience, particularly with its friendly staff and improving retail options. However, travelers should be prepared for potential inefficiencies and disorganization in immigration and security lines, especially during busy periods, and be wary of transport scams upon arrival.
New & changed departures
2 changes to CMB's schedule in the last 90 days.
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53 nonstop destinations · 35 airlines.
Airlines at CMB
35 carriers operate scheduled departures.
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Airport routes
Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB) offers 85 flight routes operated by 35 airlines. Major carriers include SriLankan Airlines, IndiGO, Cinnamon Air and others. Popular destinations from Colombo include Male Int'l, Dubai Int'l, Kuala Lumpur Int'l, Chennai Int'l, Abu Dhabi Int'l.
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Common questions about CMB
Quick answers, straight from the schedule data.
How many destinations have nonstop flights from CMB?
Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport has 85 scheduled routes to 53 destinations in 28 countries, operated by 35 airlines.
Which airlines fly from Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport?
35 carriers operate scheduled departures, including SriLankan Airlines, IndiGO, Cinnamon Air.
Where is Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport located?
Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport is located in Colombo, LK, at an elevation of 30 ft. Its IATA code is CMB and ICAO code is VCBI.