⚠️ Reference & Statistical Notice: Data presented on RunwayFacts is compiled from public domain aviation registries for technical comparison and research. Not for flight planning or real-time operational aviation use.
← Home / Airports / Sri Lanka
Data source: OurAirports (2026-09-01 Snapshot) · Methodology & Verification →

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport

Colombo, Western Province (Sri Lanka)
IATA: CMB ICAO: VCBI
Longest Active Runway
10,991 ft
3,350 meters
Field Elevation
30 ft
9 m MSL
Runway Inventory
1 active
Lighted / Paved
Coordinates & Class
7.1808°, 79.8841°
LARGE AIRPORT
🏆

Multi-Universe Rankings & Statistical Standing

Ranking Universes Guide →
RunwayFacts Published Dataset
#387 of 650
In curated primary commercial index
Global Commercial Universe
#615 of 7558
Top 8.1% percentile worldwide
National Standing (Sri Lanka)
#1 in LK
#2 of 12 in full national registry
vs Large Airport Median
+9.9%
Compared to 10,000 ft baseline
💡 Statistical Statement: Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport's longest active runway measures 10,991 ft (3,350 m). Within RunwayFacts' published index of 650 aerodromes, it ranks #387. Across the broader global dataset of 7558 commercial facilities, it ranks #615 worldwide (Top 8.1%) and #1 nationally in Sri Lanka.
🛫

Editorial Aerodrome Deep Dive: Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB)

Curated Aerodrome Profile

Bandaranaike International Airport is Sri Lanka's premier global gateway and the central hub of SriLankan Airlines. Its 11,286 ft runway accommodates long-haul widebodies connecting the island nation with Europe, East Asia, and Australia. Located at 26 ft above sea level in coastal wetlands, CMB provides optimal sea-level engine performance and Category II precision all-weather landing capabilities.

Runway Layout & Magnetic Alignments
Single primary Runway 04/22 (11,286 ft / 3,440 m) with planning underway for a second parallel runway.
Expansion Milestones & Predecessor Facilities
Established in the 1930s as RAF Station Negombo, upgraded in 1968 with Canadian grant aid. Named Bandaranaike International Airport in memory of former Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike.
Regional Differentiation & Cluster Role
Sole international commercial hub for Sri Lanka, located 17 NM north of Colombo and 90 NM north of Mattala Rajapaksa (HRI).
Data Nuances & Operational Quirks
Subject to Southwest and Northeast Monsoon cloudbursts; heavy tropical downpours are managed with high-friction grooved asphalt and rapid-exit turnoffs.
📚 Official Aerodrome Sourcing: Sri Lanka National Civil Aviation Authority · State Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) & ICAO Annex 14 Standards
Verification Methodology →

🔬 Operational & Aerodrome Engineering Comparative Analysis

Comparative aviation metrics evaluated against regional and global physical operational criteria.
ICAO Code 4E / 4F Super-Heavy
⛰️

Elevation & Atmospheric Density

Lowland / Coastal Basin Aerodrome

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport operates at a surveyed field elevation of 30 ft (9 m MSL) in Colombo. Situated in low-lying coastal terrain, the aerodrome benefits from dense ambient atmospheric pressure, maximizing turbine engine thrust and wing lift efficiency across all departure vectors.

🧭

Regional Density & Alternates (100 NM)

0 Qualifying Aerodromes in Vicinity

Sole international commercial hub for Sri Lanka, located 17 NM north of Colombo and 90 NM north of Mattala Rajapaksa (HRI). The facility operates as an isolated regional aviation anchor with no other major paved commercial aerodromes within 100 NM.

✈️

Fleet Compatibility & Ground Roll

Primary Runway: 10,991 ft (3,350 m)

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport's active flight strips comprise 04/22 (10,991 ft). With a longest active threshold of 10,991 ft (3,350 m), the aerodrome satisfies unrestricted long-haul takeoff and landing distance requirements for heavy twin-aisle and four-engine widebodies (ICAO Code 4E/4F).

🛫 Physical Runway Inventory & Surface Engineering

Runway Designator Length (ft / m) Width (ft / m) Surface Material Lighting Status
04/22 10,991 ft (3350m) 148 ft (45m) Asphalt (ASP) ✅ Lighted ✅ Active

🛡️ Data Provenance & Verification Metadata

Source Dataset: OurAirports Open Aviation Database
Snapshot Version: 2026-09-01
Dataset Integrity: Cryptographic SHA-256 Checksum Verified & Fail-Closed Schema Inspected
Source Verification: Source-reported registry data
Read Complete Methodology & Verification Protocol → GET /api/airport/cmb.json ↗