Colombo Airport is a medium-sized airport and currently uses one terminal common to all flights. The airport building is relatively small and very clear.
The departures section is on the left when viewed from the outside, while arrivals are on the right.
Going through security can be slow and queues can reach up to 40 minutes. The airport does not have the capacity to handle the current traffic, so a new Terminal 2 is under construction and will stand immediately next to the existing building.
The new terminal is scheduled to open in 2025.
Security checks
When you enter the airport building, you will be subjected to document and ticket or boarding pass checks. Therefore, always have your ticket/boarding pass ready. Mobile phone boarding passes are accepted without any problem.
Upon entering the building, you will go through a baggage scanner.
This is followed by check-in and passport control.
The standard airport security check is only at each departure gate area. There is no central security checkpoint at Colombo Airport.
How long does it take to clear immigration?
The passport check on arrival is quick and involves only a few questions on the duration and purpose of your stay. At passport control you also need to hand in a completed arrival card, which you will be given on the plane or you can fill it out online on the official website: eservices.immigration.gov.lk.
The queue for immigration control normally reaches 45-60 minutes.
Passport control on departure is usually very quick and you will usually only be delayed 5-10 minutes.
Only Sri Lankan citizens are required to complete the departure card.
Transfer between flights
Colombo Airport is one of the secondary transfer hubs within South Asia and SriLankan Airlines in particular, in conjunction with its partners in Colombo, frequently offers transfers.
Distances within the terminal if you have both connecting flights purchased as one booking, you do not need to leave the transit area.
Follow the "Transit" signs, which will direct you straight to the departure gate area when you exit the aircraft. There is no passport control and security checks are just outside the departure gates.
The real transfer time is 5 to 15 minutes.
