The busiest international airport all across Sri Lanka, Colombo Bandaranaike Airport is situated in the region of Katunayake, which is sited approximately 35 km away in the northern region of Colombo, it is managed by Airport as well as Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited. The airdrome was started as a Royal Air Force foot at some point in the II World War, RAF Negombo. As soon as SWRD Bandaranaike detached the entire bases of British Military from Sri Lanka in the year 1957, the base was given to the Royal Ceylon Air Force and was changed to Katunayake. Fraction of the airdrome even today continues as an Air Force base.
In the year 1964, Anil Moonesinghe, who was the Minister of Communications, initiated the construction of a new-fangled international airfield with Canadian support to substitute Ratmalana. The novel airport was accomplished in the year 1967 as well as Air Ceylon, and also the National Carrier, begun its international functions from this airfield by means of a Hawker Siddeley Trident as well as a rented BOAC BAC VC-10. For a small time, the airdrome was as well a Trans World Airlines (TWA) center.
Bandaranaike International Airport got its name subsequent to SWRD Bandaranaike in the year 1970. It was late changed to Katunayake International Airport in the year 1977 but was changed for the second time as Bandaranaike International Airport in the year 1994.
Current years have witnessed a variety of extension ventures being commenced at Bandaranaike International Airport. A tie-up with 8 aerobridges was unlocked in the year 2005, the foremost of its class all across Sri Lanka.
Amenities at the Colombo Bandaranaike Airport take account of a post office, a bar, bank, restaurants, business lounge, snack bars as well as a duty-free store. You can rent cars along with a driver throughout whichever of the numerous tour operators which are found at the airport. There are a number of car rental companies accessible namely Abans as well as Nambo. Long-term as well as Short-term parking is available as well at the airfield. The majority of tour operators as well as the hotels provides transportation from the airport; if probable verify in advance. Taxis as well as Buses are accessible for transport also a railway station is placed adjacent to the airport, even though tourists are given advice to organize their own hauling.
Driving Directions
Most of the tour operators as well as hotels proffer transportation from the airport; if probable verify in advance
Car Parking
Two different parking lots are offered at the airport. The terminal car parking lot is capable of accommodating around 400 vehicles. A remote car parking lot is positioned approximately at a distance of 300m as of the terminal. This space is quite large as well as proffers cheaper parking.
Car Hire
A number of car rental companies are located at the airport, even though none of the leading global operators are here.
Public Transport
Road
Buses as well as taxis are accessible at the airport; also a train station is located in close proximity, even though tourists are suggested to organize their personal transportation.
Taxi
You can hire a taxi from the taxi stand which is located in the exterior of the terminal. The cab service operates of the airports has their booth inside the arrival hall at the inner lobby and handle somewhere around 600 vehicles.
Bus
An intercity bus service functions from the airdrome. Buses depart for Colombo each 30 mins.
Information and Help Desks
The information desk is situated on the terminal building’s first floor. Additionally to presenting information concerning to travel or the facilities at the airport, it has photocopying equipment as well as fax machine for use by tourists.
Airport Facilities
Money and communications
Six different banks function at the airport and are located at the arrival lobby; they as well provide currency exchange amenities. A post office is in addition accessible. Various telephone booths are located inside the arrival, as well as departure and also transit areas. A communications counter is positioned inside the transit lounge with the facility of international direct dialing as well as fax facilities.
Eating and drinking
A restaurant which is operated by Sri Lankan Airlines is positioned inside the transit lounge as well as provides international along with the local cuisine. One more restaurant that provides snacks, as well as meals also cold and hot beverages is situated inside the departure lobby.
Shopping
a number of duty-free stores are accessible inside the departure as well as arrival halls, which sells a diversity of products, which include electrical as well as electronic items, wines, spirits, silk items, handicrafts, jewelry, teas and perfumes.
Luggage
Tourist visiting Sri Lanka around 45 days can take benefit of the bond luggage competence of the airport. The luggage will be checkered by customs as well as airport security and after that be will be sealed and later transferred directly to the departure terminal and would be stock up awaiting your subsequent flight. Investigation regarding missing luggage should be made either to the airline office or to the information desk.
Other facilities
A first-aid center teamed with competent nurses is positioned inside the arrival migration region. Completely air-conditioned daytime rooms with affixed toilets are obtainable in the departure as well as the arrival halls for transit travelers who desire to draw out and simply relax. Shower rooms are available as well, inside the transit lounge.
Conference and Business Facilities
A business center is positioned on the lower ground floor, inside the transit hall. Fax as well as photocopiers and International direct dialing are accessible. Additionally, there is around 4 business as well as 1st class lounges located at the airport.
Facilities for Disabled Travelers
Special support is provided to the wheelchair users, travelers on stretchers as well as passengers who are traveling for various medical reasons are accessible. Get in touch which your airport before starting your journey.
Hotels
At the airports no hotels are been positioned. The Hilton Colombo Residence is placed in the center of the city, which is approximately 35 mins away as of the airport. A ferry bus is operated that connects the airport with the hotel almost 5 times throughout a day.
