Colombo Ratmalana International Airport

Airport Airport

IATA Code
RML
ICAO Code
VCCC
Airport Type
Large Airport
Class
Unknown

Ratmalana (RML) is Colombo’s older municipal airport used mainly for domestic and regional flights, general aviation and charters. It is a small single‑terminal airport serving the Colombo metro area rather than replacing Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). The airport sits in the Ratmalana suburb close to Colombo’s southern neighborhoods.

Colombo Ratmalana International Airport
Elevation: 6 m
6.8216, 79.8859

Terminal Guide for Colombo Ratmalana International Airport #

Single small passenger terminal - the facility is compact with arrivals and departures in the same building. Counter and security areas are small; expect short walking distances to check‑in, security and the departure lounge. Services are basic compared with CMB.

Getting to and From Colombo Ratmalana International Airport #

Main options: taxis, tuk‑tuk, private transfer - city centre 15-30 minutes by road depending on traffic.

  • Taxis / rideshare: Taxis and app rides are the most reliable way to Colombo central; journey typically 20-30 minutes, longer in peak traffic. Expect to pay more than a local bus but negotiate a fare or use the meter/app.
  • Buses / tuk‑tuk: Local buses and tuk‑tuks serve the nearby area for short trips; they are cheaper but less convenient with luggage.
  • Driving: The airport is a short drive into Colombo’s southern neighborhoods; allow extra time in peak hours.

Facilities, Shopping, and Dining at Colombo Ratmalana International Airport #

Small facility with basic passenger services.

  • Lounges: No major international lounge network presence; airline or VIP lounges are limited.
  • Food & drink: A few cafes/fast‑food outlets airside and landside; options are limited compared with main international airports.
  • Wi‑Fi & charging: Basic Wi‑Fi may be available; charging points are limited so bring a portable charger.
  • Luggage & services: Limited left‑luggage and retail; car rental desks and basic passenger assistance are available.
  • Accessibility: Basic accessible facilities but limited specialist services-confirm with your airline in advance.

Hotels and Layovers at Colombo Ratmalana International Airport #

Accommodation near the airport is mainly in the Mount Lavinia / Colombo suburbs; a short taxi ride (15-30 minutes) reaches a wide range of city hotels and guesthouses. For long layovers expect to use city hotels rather than an on‑airport transit hotel; taxis and rideshares are the normal connection.

Tips for Colombo Ratmalana International Airport #

  • Ratmalana is a small, often busy domestic/regional airport - prebook a metered taxi or arrange hotel transfer rather than relying on roadside taxis.
  • If you have a short domestic connection to Bandaranaike (CMB) or international flights, confirm which Colombo airport your airline uses - they are different airports about 30-40 km apart.
  • Check flight times and operations in advance: Ratmalana handles scheduled domestic services and private/charter flights, and schedules can change with little notice.

Weather & Climate near Colombo Ratmalana International Airport #

Climate

Colombo Ratmalana International Airport's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2632 mm/year), wettest in October.

Air Quality: AQI 69 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
36°
Warmest Month
18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Regular rainfall (81 mm).

75 Very Good

Comfort

30°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
23° 32°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.7h daylight

February

February is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (86 mm).

75 Very Good

Comfort

30°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
23° 32°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
11.8h daylight

March

March is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (151 mm).

69 Good

Comfort

32°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
24° 32°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

151 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

April

April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (278 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

33°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 32°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

278 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.2h daylight

May

May is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (382 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

34°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
26° 31°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

382 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

June

June is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (234 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

33°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 31°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

234 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

July

July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (156 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

68 Good

Comfort

32°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 30°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

156 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

August

August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

32°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 30°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

125 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.2h daylight

September

September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (211 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

32°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 30°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

211 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

October

October is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (402 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

402 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

November

November is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (349 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

30°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
23° 31°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

349 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Very High
11.7h daylight

December

December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (177 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

63 Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° 31°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

177 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.6h daylight

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