VCBI / CMB Colombo Airport Guide for Crews and Dispatchers

VCBI airport is Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka’s main international gateway for Colombo. The airport is located at Katunayake and uses VCBI as its ICAO code and CMB as its IATA code. For dispatchers, crews and business-aviation operators, the code distinction matters because flight plans and operational messages use VCBI while passenger itineraries normally show CMB.

Airport name	Bandaranaike International Airport
ICAO code	VCBI
IATA code	CMB
Location	Katunayake, serving Colombo
Operational role	Primary international gateway for scheduled, business, private, charter and cargo operations

For airport-specific handling, CIQ, parking and fuel planning, use the VCBI/CMB airport operations page. This article focuses on the practical questions crews and dispatchers ask before operating through Colombo.

For scheduled airline passengers, the airport is commonly called Colombo Airport, Bandaranaike Airport or Katunayake Airport. For flight departments, operators and dispatchers, VCBI is the identifier generally used for operational planning.

This guide explains what business aviation crews, private passengers, charter operators and flight-support teams should consider when planning an arrival, departure, turnaround or layover at Bandaranaike International Airport.

Airport procedures, entry requirements and service availability can change. Operators should confirm current requirements with their appointed ground handler and consult the latest applicable AIP information and NOTAMs before departure.

Are Colombo Airport and Bandaranaike Airport the same airport?

Yes. The names normally refer to the same airport:

• Official name: Bandaranaike International Airport
• IATA code: CMB
• ICAO code: VCBI
• Location: Katunayake, Sri Lanka
• Primary city served: Colombo

“Colombo Airport” is widely used by passengers and travel websites, while aviation professionals normally use Bandaranaike International Airport or VCBI.

Sri Lanka also has other international and domestic airports. Operators should therefore use the airport codes in flight requests, itineraries and handling instructions to prevent confusion.

Using VCBI for business and private aviation

Bandaranaike International Airport can support business jets, private aircraft, charter flights, cargo services and other non-scheduled operations, subject to the required approvals and airport arrangements.

Advance coordination may be needed for:

• Landing and overflight permissions
• Airport acceptance or slot-related requirements
• Aircraft parking
• Ground handling
• Immigration, customs and quarantine
• Passenger and crew assistance
• Jet A-1 fuel
• Ground transportation
• Catering
• Hotel accommodation
• Schedule changes
• Technical stops

Requirements depend on the type of flight, aircraft, route, nationality of the operator and purpose of the visit. Operators should not assume that the arrangements for a previous flight remain valid for a new movement.

For airport-specific handling support, visit our Colombo VCBI airport services page.

Planning before the flight

Early coordination allows the handler to verify permissions, airport acceptance, parking and support services before the aircraft departs.

The initial handling request should normally include:

• Aircraft registration
• Aircraft type and maximum take-off weight
• Operator name and address
• Flight type and purpose
• Complete route
• Estimated arrival and departure times
• Passenger and crew numbers
• Passenger and crew nationalities
• Passenger and crew manifest
• Billing information
• Fuel requirements
• Catering requirements
• Ground transportation requirements
• Hotel or layover requirements
• Special assistance requests
• Dangerous goods information, when applicable

Additional documents may be requested depending on the operation. These can include the airworthiness certificate, registration certificate, insurance documents, noise certificate, air operator certificate and operational specifications.

Send complete information as early as possible. Missing documents or late schedule changes can affect approvals and service arrangements.

Before filing, review the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka permit guide and the comparison of Sri Lanka overflight and landing permits.

Landing permission and operational approval

Private and non-scheduled commercial operations may require prior aviation approval before operating to Sri Lanka. The documents and lead time can differ according to the flight category.

Operators should provide their intended schedule and supporting documents to their flight-support provider before departure. The handling team can then verify the applicable process and coordinate with the relevant authorities.

An acknowledgement from a handler should not automatically be treated as final regulatory approval. The flight department should ensure that all required permissions have been issued and remain valid for the confirmed schedule.

If the routing crosses Sri Lankan airspace without landing, an overflight permission requirement may also apply.

Parking and schedule coordination

Aircraft parking at VCBI is subject to airport acceptance and available capacity. Availability can be affected by aircraft size, planned duration, traffic demand and other operational considerations.

Operators should declare the intended parking period when requesting support. Extended parking should never be assumed until it has been confirmed.

Advise the handler immediately if the schedule changes. A revised arrival or departure time can affect:

• Permission validity
• Airport acceptance
• Parking allocation
• Ground equipment
• Passenger transportation
• Catering
• Fuel arrangements
• Crew accommodation
• Authority coordination

When a flight is delayed, the revised schedule should be sent using the same aircraft registration and flight details so the movement can be identified correctly.

Arrival, immigration and customs

International passengers and crew are subject to the applicable Sri Lankan immigration, customs and security procedures.

Before travel, every passenger and crew member should confirm that their passport, visa or electronic travel authorization meets the requirements for their nationality and purpose of entry. The Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration states that tourist and business travellers can use the official ETA system, subject to the applicable conditions.

The department also states that a passport should generally remain valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. Because visa policies can change, travellers should confirm their position through the Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration and the official ETA portal.

Crew documentation should be shared with the handler before departure. Whether a crew member remains airside, enters Sri Lanka or stays for a layover can affect the applicable entry process.

Do not rely solely on a previous visit, an unofficial visa website or a general online travel article.

Passenger and VIP assistance

Passenger assistance can be coordinated according to the flight and the services available at the time of operation.

Requested arrangements may include:

• Meet-and-assist support
• Guidance through arrival or departure formalities
• Baggage coordination
• Transportation between the aircraft and terminal processing points
• Lounge coordination, where eligible and available
• Chauffeured transportation
• Hotel transfers
• Special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility

Private aviation processing at a commercial airport does not always follow the same format as a dedicated business aviation terminal. The precise passenger route and service arrangement should therefore be confirmed for each flight.

Lounge access, meeting points and terminal arrangements are subject to current airport procedures and availability.

Crew arrivals and layovers

For a crew layover, the flight-support request should include each crew member’s full name, nationality, passport information and position on board.

The handler should also be advised whether the crew will:

• Remain with the aircraft
• Enter Sri Lanka for a short turnaround
• Stay overnight
• Reposition as passengers
• Be replaced by another crew

When accommodation is required, consider hotel location, traffic conditions, rest requirements, security, meal availability and the planned reporting time for departure.

Ground transport should be scheduled with a reasonable buffer. Road travel between Katunayake and central Colombo varies considerably with traffic and the time of day.

Ground transportation

Bandaranaike International Airport is located outside central Colombo. Road transfers should therefore be planned around local traffic rather than a fixed journey time.

For business aviation movements, pre-arranged transportation is usually more dependable than making arrangements after arrival. Operators should provide:

• Passenger and crew names
• Number of travellers
• Baggage quantity
• Required vehicle type
• Destination
• Meeting instructions
• Contact numbers
• Any security or privacy requirements

Separate vehicles may be appropriate when passengers and crew have different destinations or departure times.

Passengers using public or airport transport should consult current information from Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka, as routes and operating schedules may change.

Hotels for a Colombo layover

The best hotel location depends on the duration and purpose of the stay.

An airport-area hotel may be more suitable for a short technical stop, brief overnight stay or early departure. A hotel in Colombo may be more appropriate for passengers attending meetings or crews with a longer layover.

Before confirming accommodation, consider:

• Expected road travel time
• Crew rest requirements
• Early-morning or late-night transfers
• Restaurant availability
• Secure parking
• Late check-in
• Flight-delay flexibility
• Cancellation terms

The handler should receive the hotel name and booking details even when the operator makes the reservation directly.

Aircraft ground handling at VCBI

See the full Sri Lanka aircraft ground handling service for ramp, passenger, crew and turnaround coordination.

The precise handling plan depends on aircraft type, turnaround time and operator requirements.

Services can include:

• Ramp coordination
• Passenger and crew assistance
• Baggage handling
• Ground power
• Air-start support
• Lavatory service
• Potable-water service
• Cabin cleaning
• Catering coordination
• Fuel coordination
• Transportation
• Hotel arrangements
• Flight documentation
• Schedule monitoring

Ground equipment should be requested in advance, particularly for aircraft with specific towbar, power or servicing requirements.

Operators should also advise whether the aircraft requires towing, extended parking, additional security or special baggage arrangements.

Jet A-1 fuel coordination

Jet A-1 fuel can be coordinated as part of the handling request, subject to supplier confirmation and local procedures.

The operator should provide:

• Aircraft registration
• Scheduled fuel date and time
• Required uplift or requested fuel quantity
• Fuel-release details
• Billing instructions
• Any preferred supplier arrangement

Fuel should be reconfirmed after material schedule changes. For a short technical stop, the requested uplift and target turnaround time should be stated clearly so that ground services can be sequenced appropriately.

Catering and onboard supplies

Catering requests should be submitted with adequate notice and should specify quantities, dietary restrictions, delivery time and packaging requirements.

Useful information includes:

• Number of passengers and crew
• Meal type
• Dietary or allergy information
• Preferred cuisine
• Hot or cold preparation
• Beverage requirements
• Ice and dry-store requirements
• Packaging or presentation instructions

Availability can vary according to notice, arrival time and the complexity of the request. Where an exact item is unavailable, the handler should be authorised to suggest a suitable alternative.

Technical stops at Bandaranaike Airport

VCBI may be considered for fuel stops and crew-related technical operations, subject to permits, airport acceptance, parking and ground-service confirmation.

For an efficient technical stop, provide:

• Confirmed schedule
• Requested fuel uplift
• Passenger and crew details
• Whether anyone will disembark
• Catering or cabin-service requirements
• Crew-change details
• Required ground equipment
• Target turnaround time

Actual turnaround time depends on the services required, authority procedures, ramp conditions and the timing of the operation. It should be treated as an operational estimate rather than a guarantee.

Operational checklist for VCBI

Before departure, confirm that:

• Landing and overflight requirements have been checked
• Required permissions have been issued
• Airport acceptance and parking have been confirmed
• The latest AIP information and NOTAMs have been reviewed
• Passenger and crew documents have been checked
• Manifests have been sent
• Ground handling has been confirmed
• Fuel has been arranged
• Catering has been reconfirmed
• Transportation and hotels are booked
• Special assistance has been communicated
• The handler has current operations contact details
• Any schedule changes have been acknowledged

Frequently asked questions

Is Bandaranaike Airport the same as Colombo Airport?

Yes. Bandaranaike International Airport, IATA code CMB and ICAO code VCBI, is the principal international airport serving Colombo. It is located in Katunayake.

Can private and business aircraft operate at VCBI?

Private, business and non-scheduled aircraft can operate at VCBI subject to the applicable permissions, airport acceptance, parking availability and handling arrangements.

Is prior permission required?

Permission requirements depend on the nature of the flight. Private and non-scheduled commercial operators should verify the applicable landing and overflight approval process before departure.

Can an aircraft remain parked overnight?

Overnight and extended parking are subject to airport approval and available capacity. The requested parking duration should be included in the initial handling request.

Do crew members need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Entry requirements depend on nationality, purpose and length of stay. Crew members should verify their requirements with Sri Lankan immigration and provide their documents to the handler before departure.

Can VIP assistance be arranged?

Passenger assistance, transportation and lounge-related arrangements may be coordinated subject to eligibility, airport procedures and availability. Requirements should be communicated before the flight.

How long does it take to travel from the airport to Colombo?

Travel time varies with traffic, time of day and the destination within Colombo. Operators should avoid planning transfers around a single fixed journey time.

Arrange flight support at Colombo VCBI

SEAS coordinates ground handling and flight-support services for business, private, charter, cargo and non-scheduled operations in Sri Lanka.

Support can include permits, airport coordination, passenger and crew assistance, Jet A-1 fuel, ground transportation, accommodation, catering and trip planning.

Request handling support or contact:

Email: operations@seas.aero
Telephone: +94 720 860 870

Operational information should always be reconfirmed before departure. Current regulatory publications, NOTAMs, airport instructions and authority requirements take precedence over this guide.

Reviewed: September 2026