Ratmalana Airport (IATA: RML, ICAO: VCCC), officially also known as Colombo Airport, sits roughly 13 kilometres south of Colombo's city centre in the suburb of Ratmalana. It is one of two airports serving the greater Colombo area, alongside Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake to the north. Today RML functions primarily as a domestic hub and a base for charter and light-aircraft operations, though its story stretches back nearly ninety years to the earliest days of aviation in Ceylon.
What is the history of Ratmalana Airport?
The origins of RML date to 1934, when the State Council of Ceylon identified Ratmalana as the most suitable site for an aerodrome within reach of Colombo. Construction moved quickly, and on 27 November 1935 a De Havilland Puss Moth became the first aircraft to land on the new strip, piloted by Tyndalle Bisco, chief flying instructor of the Madras Flying Club.
During the Second World War the airport was requisitioned as a Royal Air Force base. No. 30 Squadron flew Hawker Hurricanes from Ratmalana during the 1942 Japanese naval raids on Ceylon. Simultaneously, Qantas Empire Airways (QEA) operated civilianised Consolidated B-24 Liberator and Avro Lancastrian aircraft on what was then the world's longest non-stop air route, connecting Perth in Western Australia with Colombo. After the war that service continued with a refuelling stop at the Cocos Islands.
The airport reached its civilian peak in the late 1940s and 1950s. Air Ceylon's Douglas DC-3 Dakotas and Lockheed Constellations used Ratmalana as their home base. International carriers including KLM, BOAC, and Trans World Airlines (TWA) routed through the airport. On 11 August 1952 — just three months after the commercial jet age began — BOAC inaugurated its de Havilland Comet service between Colombo and London from Ratmalana, a remarkable milestone for the region. Air Ceylon later operated its own Comet service on that London route from March 1962 until March 1971.
The airport's international era ended when the government decided in 1964 to build a new facility north of the city. Bandaranaike International Airport opened in 1967 and assumed all scheduled international services, leaving Ratmalana to serve the domestic market. Periodic discussions about restoring limited international flights at RML have continued since 2012, driven partly by its proximity to the city centre.
Where is Ratmalana Airport and how do I get there from Colombo city?
The airport is in Ratmalana, within the Colombo District of the Western Province. Its position south of the city places it relatively close to neighbourhoods such as Dehiwala and Mount Lavinia, making it more accessible from the southern coastal corridor than BIA is. Road travel from Colombo Fort takes around 30–45 minutes depending on traffic; the drive from BIA is roughly 40–60 minutes heading south along the coastal highway.
The most practical way to reach RML is by taxi or private driver. Metered taxis and app-based ride services are available throughout Colombo and can drop passengers directly at the terminal. The nearby Ratmalana Railway Station on the coastal line also provides an affordable alternative for those arriving from Colombo or points south.
What flights operate from Ratmalana Airport today?
RML is the primary base for domestic air connections within Sri Lanka. Scheduled and charter services link the airport to airstrips at Batticaloa, Ampara, Trincomalee, and Sigiriya (Hingurakgoda), among others. These short-haul flights — often operated on small turboprop or light aircraft — offer a significant time saving over road travel to the north and east of the island.
The airport also supports helicopter charters and scenic flights over Colombo and the coastline. A military presence at the facility means security protocols apply to all visitors, and passengers should arrive with sufficient time before departure.
| Destination | Airport Code | Approximate Flight Time |
|---|---|---|
| Anuradhapura | ACJ | Around 45 minutes |
| Batticaloa | BTC | Around 60 minutes |
| Ampara | ADP | Around 60 minutes |
Why fly domestic from Ratmalana rather than drive?
Sri Lanka's road network, while improving steadily, still means long journey times to the north and east. The drive from Colombo to Anuradhapura, for example, takes roughly four hours under good conditions; a short domestic flight cuts that to under an hour. For travellers on tight itineraries, or those combining a southern beach stay with a northern cultural or wildlife stop, a domestic flight from RML can unlock combinations of destinations that would otherwise require a full day in transit.
Domestic flights are particularly useful for reaching the Cultural Triangle — the historic heartland that includes Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya — without surrendering the better part of two days to road travel.
What facilities does Ratmalana Airport offer passengers?
As a smaller, primarily domestic airport, RML offers a more modest set of facilities than BIA. The terminal building handles check-in and basic waiting areas. Given the short flight times and small aircraft types typically used, passengers should not expect the same range of retail, dining, or lounge options available at an international gateway. Arriving with essentials — water, snacks, reading material — is advisable for longer waits.
- Check-in counters for scheduled domestic and charter services
- Basic landside waiting and seating areas
- Car-park and drop-off zone adjacent to the terminal
- Military and civil aviation administrative offices on site
Is Ratmalana Airport safe and what should I know before travelling?
The airport operates under the Sri Lanka Air Force's oversight alongside the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, and security is taken seriously. Passengers should carry a valid form of identification and arrive ahead of the stated check-in deadline, as smaller aircraft often board promptly. Photography restrictions may apply in and around the military areas of the facility, so exercise discretion with cameras near the perimeter.
Weather can affect small-aircraft schedules more noticeably than at major international airports. During the south-west monsoon (roughly May to September) short delays are more common on certain routes, and it is worth confirming flights on the day of travel.
How does Ratmalana Airport fit into a broader Sri Lanka itinerary?
Most travellers to Sri Lanka arrive and depart through Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake. Ratmalana becomes relevant when a domestic leg is the most efficient way to link one part of an itinerary with another. A common pattern is to fly into BIA, travel overland through the hill country or south coast, and then take a short domestic hop from RML to reach the north-central or eastern provinces — or vice versa — before returning to BIA for the international departure.
For visitors staying in Colombo's southern suburbs or along the coast near Mount Lavinia, RML's location can also mean a shorter transfer time than the journey up to BIA for domestic flights. A Colombo city tour pairs naturally with an RML-based itinerary, making use of the airport's convenient position within the urban area.
