Colombo's City Airport · VCCC / RML
Ratmalana — Colombo International Airport
Ratmalana (VCCC / RML) is Colombo's city-close airport, roughly 14 km from the capital — a convenient option for selected business, private and general-aviation movements when proximity to central Colombo matters. Its 1,400 × 30 m runway and HJ handling and fuelling hours make advance aircraft acceptance and schedule coordination essential. SEAS coordinates handling, permits, fuel and trip support at VCCC.
Runway
H24
~14 km to Colombo
Operational Reference
VCCC at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| ICAO / IATA | VCCC / RML |
| Location | Ratmalana, ~14 km from Colombo, Sri Lanka |
| Coordinates | 06°49′23″N 079°53′06″E |
| Elevation | 7 m / 23 ft |
| Operator | Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Pvt) Ltd. |
| Traffic | VFR — IFR may be approved when aircraft/crew meet requirements |
| Runway | 04/22 — 1,400 × 30 m, asphalt · PCN 34/F/D/Z/U |
| Maintenance | RWY closed 0800–1100 UTC, 1st & 3rd Tue of even months |
| Operating hours | ATS & security — H24 MET briefing — H24 (remote off-hours) Administration — 0030–1230 UTC daily Customs & immigration — HJ (daylight) Health & sanitation — HJ Fuelling — HJ Handling — HJ |
Please note. AIS briefing and ATS reporting are provided remotely outside VCCC operational hours. With a 1,400 m runway and HJ handling/fuelling, international, after-hours, IFR and special-aircraft movements require advance confirmation of aircraft acceptance, airport availability, handling, parking, CIQ and any applicable PPR or slot requirements. Airport information may change by NOTAM; SEAS confirms the live position for each flight.
What SEAS coordinates
Operational Services at VCCC
01 · Ground handling
HJ hours, coordinated ahead
Ground handling is available during HJ (daylight) hours and must be coordinated in advance. SEAS acts as your local representative — coordinating the approved handling arrangements, ramp support, CIQ and turnaround logistics. Physical handling and marshalling are provided by the designated handling agency under local supervision.
02 · Parking & apron
Type-dependent allocation
Apron space is allocated based on aircraft type and traffic conditions. SEAS confirms parking availability and ground support equipment (GSE) requirements prior to operation.
03 · Slots, PPR & acceptance
Confirmed per movement
SEAS confirms airport acceptance and any PPR, slot or prior-approval requirement before operation. Requirements depend on aircraft type, operating hours, traffic, international status and the purpose of the movement.
04 · CIQ
Daylight-hours processing
Customs, immigration and health are available during HJ hours. SEAS coordinates passenger and crew processing, General Declaration documentation and arrival/departure formalities during local operating hours. Crew-visa and entry requirements are confirmed in advance.
05 · Fuel & technical
Jet A-1 by refueller (HJ)
Jet A-1 is available by refueller during HJ fuelling hours, with published storage of approximately 280,000 litres. AVGAS 100LL is available with three days' prior request. Lubricant oil is not provided by the listed airport supplier. Confirm uplift quantity, aircraft type and timing before arrival.
06 · Permits & regulatory
Colombo FIR coordination
SEAS coordinates the required Sri Lankan overflight and landing permissions for operations within the Colombo FIR, together with the associated handling and airport arrangements.
Choosing your Colombo gateway
VCCC vs VCBI, at an operational glance
| Operational factor | VCCC · Ratmalana | VCBI · Bandaranaike |
|---|---|---|
| Location | ~14 km from central Colombo | Katunayake (~32 km from Colombo) |
| Runway length | 1,400 × 30 m | 3,350 × 45 m |
| Handling & fuelling | HJ (daylight hours) | Published H24 |
| Traffic & profile | Published VFR (IFR subject to approval) | IFR / VFR (primary gateway) |
| Best suited for | Direct city access for suitable light/medium aircraft | Large-cabin aircraft, heavy loads & H24 arrivals |
Frequently asked
VCCC questions, answered
Other Sri Lanka airports
Tell us the schedule. We'll coordinate the operation.
Send your aircraft details, routing and requirements to SEAS for ground handling, permits, fuel and
trip support — coordinated by one 24/7 operations desk.