RMLlarge airport

Colombo Ratmalana International Airport

Colombo, Sri Lanka

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Destinations

ICAO

VCCC

Elevation

22 ft

The gateway in a glance

The Essence of Colombo Ratmalana International Airport

RML

Location

Colombo · 1 · Sri Lanka

Position

6.822°, 79.886° · 22 ft elev.

Visa & Entry

ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

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A closer look

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TravelerPulse profile

Sri Lanka's oldest airport, serving Colombo since 1935.

Opened

1935

Location

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo Ratmalana International Airport (IATA: RML, ICAO: VCCC) is located approximately 13 kilometres south of Colombo city centre in Ratmalana, Sri Lanka. It is the oldest functioning airport in the country, predating Bandaranaike International Airport, and continues to serve general aviation, charter flights, and some regional operations. The airport is also home to Sri Lanka Air Force operations and houses the Sri Lanka Flying College, making it a significant centre for aviation training in the region. While Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake handles the bulk of international commercial traffic, Ratmalana serves as a secondary aerodrome for lighter aircraft, private charters, and helicopter services. Efforts have been periodically discussed to redevelop or expand the airport to handle greater commercial traffic and relieve congestion at Bandaranaike, though large-scale commercial operations remain limited.

Terminals

The airport has a modest terminal facility primarily designed for general aviation, charter, and light commercial traffic rather than large-scale international operations.

Getting to & from

The airport is accessible by road via taxi and private vehicle, situated roughly 13 kilometres south of central Colombo along the Galle Road corridor.

Airlines here

Scheduled commercial airline operations are minimal; the airport primarily supports charter carriers, private aviation, and Sri Lanka Air Force activities.

Notable facts

›Ratmalana is the oldest airport in Sri Lanka, opened in 1935.
›It serves as a base for the Sri Lanka Air Force alongside civilian operations.
›The Sri Lanka Flying College, a training institution for pilots, is located at the airport.
›The airport is situated closer to Colombo city centre than Bandaranaike International Airport.
›Periodic government proposals have explored redeveloping Ratmalana into a larger commercial hub.

Wikipedia

This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Airlines serving this airport

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