CAASL: Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka Permit Guide

Non-scheduled and private flights entering or operating through Sri Lankan airspace generally require prior clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, known as CAASL.

The type of clearance, minimum notice period and supporting information depend on whether the aircraft will overfly the Colombo Flight Information Region, make a technical stop or land to embark or disembark passengers or cargo.

For operators, the practical challenge is not simply submitting a permit request. The application must match the aircraft, operator, routing, schedule, purpose of flight and airport arrangements. Incomplete information or a late operational change can delay the authority’s assessment or make an existing clearance unusable.

This guide provides an operational overview for flight departments, dispatchers, charter operators and trip planners. Requirements can change through AIP amendments, NOTAMs and authority instructions, so every movement should be checked against current official information before departure.

What is the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL)?

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka is the national regulator responsible for civil aviation safety, security and regulatory oversight in Sri Lanka.

For visiting operators, its relevant functions include the assessment and approval of non-scheduled flight operations, including:

• Overflights through the Colombo FIR
• Non-scheduled passenger landings
• Non-scheduled cargo landings
• Private and corporate flights
• Technical and fuel stops
• Certain special-purpose operations
• Changes and re-clearances affecting approved flights

CAASL approval is separate from ground handling, airport parking, fuel, customs and immigration arrangements. A permit may be approved while another part of the operation remains unconfirmed.

Operators should therefore coordinate the permit and airport requirements together.

Which CAASL permit does a flight require?

Sri Lanka overflight permit

An overflight permit is normally required when a non-scheduled or private aircraft will transit the Colombo FIR without landing in Sri Lanka.

The application should identify:

• Operator
• Aircraft type and registration
• Call sign
• Complete schedule
• ATS routing
• Colombo FIR entry and exit points
• Origin and destination
• Purpose of flight

The routing in the application should match the intended flight plan. A change to the aircraft, schedule or entry and exit points may require an amendment or re-clearance.

Sri Lanka landing permit

A landing permit is normally required when an aircraft will land in Sri Lanka to embark or disembark passengers or cargo.

Requirements vary according to whether the operation is:

• Non-scheduled commercial passenger
• Non-scheduled commercial cargo
• Private or corporate
• Technical or fuel stop
• Another special-purpose operation

Airport acceptance, slots, parking, ground handling and CIQ requirements must be coordinated separately from the landing permit.

Technical-stop permit

A technical or fuel stop normally requires CAASL clearance even when no passengers or cargo are embarked or disembarked.

The application should clearly state that the operation is a technical stop and identify its purpose, such as:

• Fuel uplift
• Crew rest or crew change
• Aircraft servicing
• Positioning requirement
• Operational or maintenance requirement

Operators should also confirm the fuel release, parking position, handling services, CIQ implications and onward schedule.

Diplomatic clearance

State, military and certain government flights may require diplomatic clearance through the appropriate government and diplomatic channels in addition to aviation and airport coordination.

These operations should not be submitted as ordinary commercial permit applications. Longer lead time may be required, depending on the authorities involved and the nature of the mission.

Published minimum notice periods

Sri Lanka’s aeronautical information distinguishes between different categories of non-scheduled operation.

The published minimum notice periods commonly applied are:

Operation	Published minimum notice
Non-scheduled commercial passenger landing	30 days
Non-scheduled commercial cargo landing	7 days
Private landing	7 days
Technical stop	3 days
Non-scheduled overflight	3 days
Private overflight or technical stop	3 days
Helicopter, airship, glider or balloon operation	14 days
Ambulance, search-and-rescue or relief operation	At the earliest opportunity
Other non-scheduled landing	7 days
Other non-scheduled overflight or technical stop	3 days

These periods should be treated as minimum planning requirements, not guaranteed approval times.

Operators should allow additional margin for:

• Weekends
• Sri Lankan public holidays
• Monthly Poya holidays
• Incomplete documents
• Clarification requested by the authority
• Airport slot or parking constraints
• Special security requirements
• Unusual routing or flight purpose
• Changes after submission

CAASL’s current non-scheduled-flight information should be checked before relying on any published lead time.

When does the permit-processing period begin?

An initial email does not necessarily mean that the application is ready for assessment.

Processing can be affected when essential information is missing, inconsistent or illegible. The safest approach is to submit a complete application from the beginning.

Common omissions include:

• Missing aircraft insurance
• Expired aircraft certificates
• Missing Noise Certificate
• Incomplete ATS routing
• No Colombo FIR entry or exit points
• Missing operator details
• Missing passenger or cargo information
• Schedule shown in local time rather than UTC
• Aircraft registration not matching the certificates
• Unclear purpose of flight

Build additional time into the plan so that any questions can be resolved before the published minimum notice expires.

Information required for a CAASL permit application

The exact requirements depend on the operation. A typical application may require the following information.

Operator and aircraft information

• Full operator name
• Operator address and contact details
• Aircraft type
• State of registry
• Aircraft registration
• Call sign
• Maximum take-off weight, where requested
• Purpose and category of operation

Flight information

• Complete schedule in UTC
• Origin and destination
• Arrival and departure airports
• ATS routing
• Colombo FIR entry and exit points
• Alternate aerodrome, where required
• Previous and next destination
• Intended ground time
• Purpose of landing or overflight

Crew, passenger and cargo information

Depending on the operation, CAASL or other relevant authorities may require:

• Pilot-in-command details
• Crew list or General Declaration
• Passenger manifest
• Cargo manifest
• Consignor and consignee details
• Nature of cargo
• Dangerous-goods information
• Supporting documents for special-purpose flights

Passenger, crew and cargo details must be consistent across the permit application, General Declaration, manifest and handling request.

Aircraft documents commonly required

Operators should keep clear, current copies of the following documents ready:

• Certificate of Registration
• Certificate of Airworthiness
• Certificate of Insurance
• Noise Certificate
• Air Operator Certificate for commercial operations
• Relevant Operations Specifications
• General Declaration
• Passenger or cargo manifest
• Dangerous Goods Declaration or NOTOC where applicable
• Other documents requested for the specific flight category

The insurance certificate should cover the planned operation and remain valid for the full period of the flight.

Documents should be legible and supplied in English or with an acceptable English translation where required.

Permit validity and schedule changes

A Sri Lankan flight clearance or re-clearance is generally valid for 48 hours from the intended time of operation.

If the flight is delayed beyond the applicable validity window, a fresh clearance or re-clearance may be required.

Operators should immediately report changes involving:

• Aircraft registration
• Aircraft type
• Operator
• Call sign or flight number
• Routing
• Colombo FIR entry or exit point
• Origin or destination
• Arrival or departure time
• Purpose of flight
• Passenger or cargo operation
• Cancellation

A permit is issued against a specific set of operational details. It should not be assumed that an approval automatically transfers to a replacement aircraft or substantially revised schedule.

When requesting re-clearance, quote the original flight-clearance reference whenever available.

Aircraft substitutions

Aircraft changes are a frequent source of last-minute difficulty.

Before replacing the aircraft, check:

1. Whether CAASL requires revised clearance.
2. Whether the new registration is covered by the submitted operator documents.
3. Whether the insurance and airworthiness documents are current.
4. Whether the airport can accept the replacement aircraft.
5. Whether parking and ground equipment remain suitable.
6. Whether the fuel order must be amended.
7. Whether the slot or PPR must be updated.
8. Whether passenger and crew documents have changed.

Do not update only the handler or flight plan. The permit coordinator should be notified before the revised operation is treated as confirmed.

CAASL office hours and out-of-hours planning

CAASL publishes office hours for the processing of non-scheduled landing and overflying permissions. These hours generally fall on weekdays and exclude public holidays.

The official permit information should be checked for current hours and contact details before submitting an application.

SEAS operates a 24/7 operations desk, but 24/7 operator support does not mean that the authority provides unrestricted round-the-clock routine permit processing.

For flights planned across a weekend or public holiday:

• Submit the application early.
• Confirm that the document set is complete.
• Identify any authority closure.
• Avoid relying on last-minute routine approval.
• Coordinate airport, slot, parking and handling requirements at the same time.

Short-notice acceptance remains subject to CAASL discretion and operational feasibility.

Permit approval does not confirm the airport operation

A CAASL permit is only one part of the movement.

Operators must separately confirm, where applicable:

• Airport acceptance
• Landing slot
• PPR
• Parking
• Ground handling
• Jet A-1 fuel
• Ground support equipment
• Customs and immigration
• Passenger and crew processing
• Catering
• Transport
• Hotel accommodation
• Operating-hour extensions
• Security requirements

This is particularly important at regional airports, where operating hours and available equipment may differ from Bandaranaike International Airport.

Sri Lankan airports used for international operations

SEAS primarily coordinates support at the following gateways:

Bandaranaike International Airport — VCBI/CMB

Sri Lanka’s principal international gateway and the main airport serving Colombo. Operators should confirm slots, parking, handling, fuel and passenger and crew requirements alongside the landing permit.

Colombo International Airport Ratmalana — VCCC/RML

A city-close airport with relevance to general and business aviation. Aircraft suitability, operating hours, CIQ arrangements, fuel, parking and prior permission should be checked for every international movement.

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport — VCRI/HRI

A southern gateway that may be considered for passenger operations, technical stops and fuel stops. Service availability and airport acceptance must be confirmed for the planned schedule.

Jaffna International Airport — VCCJ/JAF

Serving northern Sri Lanka, subject to current airport capability, operating arrangements, aircraft limitations and authority acceptance.

Explore Sri Lanka airport information.

Common causes of permit delays

Incomplete documents

Missing certificates or flight information can prevent the application from progressing.

Schedule inconsistency

The times and routing shown in the permit application should match the handling request and intended flight plan.

Late aircraft changes

A registration change can trigger re-clearance and a renewed review of the aircraft documents.

Incorrect flight category

A passenger landing, cargo flight, private operation and technical stop do not follow identical requirements.

Missing cargo information

Cargo operations may require detailed manifest, consignor, consignee and dangerous-goods information.

Weekend or holiday submissions

An application submitted immediately before an authority closure may not receive routine processing within the operator’s intended schedule.

Treating minimum notice as a guaranteed turnaround

Published notice periods are planning requirements. They do not guarantee that an incomplete or unusual application will be approved within that time.

How to make a permit application easier to process

Before submission:

• Identify the correct flight category.
• Confirm the planned aircraft and registration.
• Use UTC throughout the application.
• Ensure the routing includes the Colombo FIR entry and exit points.
• Check that aircraft documents are current and legible.
• Confirm passenger, crew and cargo information.
• Allow for weekends and Sri Lankan holidays.
• Coordinate airport acceptance, parking and handling concurrently.
• Avoid submitting placeholder schedules unless clearly identified.
• Report operational changes as soon as they occur.

A complete, consistent application gives the authority the best opportunity to assess the request without repeated clarification.

How SEAS supports permit coordination

SEAS coordinates Sri Lanka overflight and landing permit applications as part of a wider flight-support operation.

Support can include:

• Reviewing the intended operation
• Identifying the appropriate permit category
• Checking the application information and document set
• Submitting and following up on the permit request
• Coordinating airport acceptance and slots
• Aligning the permit with ground handling and parking
• Arranging Jet A-1 fuel
• Coordinating passenger and crew requirements
• Managing schedule revisions and aircraft changes
• Supporting the operation through arrival and departure

Final approval remains with CAASL and other relevant authorities. Airport services remain subject to operational capability, supplier availability and prior confirmation.

Explore SEAS overflight and landing permit coordination services, or compare the requirements in our Sri Lanka overflight vs landing permits guide.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a Sri Lanka overflight permit take?

The published minimum notice for a standard non-scheduled overflight is generally three days. Operators should allow additional margin for weekends, Sri Lankan public holidays, incomplete documents and any authority clarification.

How long does a Sri Lanka landing permit take?

The minimum notice depends on the operation. Private and non-scheduled cargo landings generally require seven days, while non-scheduled commercial passenger landings may require 30 days. Confirm the current requirement for the specific flight before submission.

Is a permit required for a fuel stop in Sri Lanka?

A non-scheduled technical or fuel stop normally requires CAASL clearance even when no passengers or cargo are embarked or disembarked. Airport acceptance, handling and fuel must also be confirmed.

How long is a CAASL flight clearance valid?

A flight clearance or re-clearance is generally valid for 48 hours from the intended operating time. A delay beyond the applicable validity period may require fresh clearance.

Does a CAASL permit include the airport slot and parking?

No. Permit approval does not automatically confirm the airport slot, parking position, handling, fuel or CIQ arrangements. These elements must be coordinated separately.

Can an operator change the aircraft after receiving the permit?

The authority and permit coordinator should be notified before substituting the aircraft. A different registration or aircraft type may require revised clearance and updated supporting documents.

Can operators apply directly to CAASL?

Operators may submit applications in accordance with current CAASL procedures. A local flight-support provider can assist where the movement involves permits, airport acceptance, handling, parking, fuel and passenger or crew coordination.

Planning an operation into Sri Lanka?

Send SEAS the aircraft details, routing, UTC schedule, purpose of flight and required services. Our team will review the permit, airport, handling, fuel and operational requirements together.

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

Request flight support

Reviewed September 2026 by the SEAS Operations Team.

Permit procedures, notice periods and contact details can change. Always verify current requirements through the Sri Lanka AIP, applicable NOTAMs and the official CAASL non-scheduled-flight information before operating.