Flying through Sri Lanka Airports

In such unprecedented times, the safety and the protection of our passengers, visitors, and colleagues continue to be on top of our minds.

We know that traveling during this unprecedented time is somewhat different from your previous travel experience, therefore we know you come across areas that you want to clarify before your travel. - Importantly this information hub services will address them.

Airport safety measures

Precautionary measures have been implemented throughout the airport to maintain the health and safety of our customers and staff. These measures include hand sanitizer stations around the airport, protective Plexiglas at check-in and immigration counters, thermal temperature screening, social distancing markers and increased levels of cleaning and sanitization in compliance with international standards set out by the relevant authorities.

 

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION    

 

 





 

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

 

1. What is Sri Lanka’s status with COVID-19?

Sri Lanka has been able to manage the spread of the virus successfully. Sri Lanka has commenced the vaccination program and it is being carried out effectively. For more information, please visit https://www.hpb.health.gov.lk/en

2. Is Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) a safe airport?

Airports Council International (ACI) certified Bandaranaike International Airport’s commitment to prioritizing health and safety measures in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council Aviation Restart Task Force (CART) recommendations and the ACI Aviation Business Restart and Recovery guidelines along with industry best practices.

Further, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services and the Sri Lankan Government to support border security requirements. Accordingly, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) requests all airport users to follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). Passengers are kindly requested to maintain hand hygiene using alcohol-based sanitizer or soap and water and maintain social distancing at all times.

Additionally, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) has increased the frequency of cleaning inside our terminals, particularly the bathroom areas and check-in areas, etc. Hand sanitizers are kept available throughout the terminal for passengers to use whenever they want.

All operational staff members are vaccinated for Covid-19 and therefore, both Airport workers, as well as passengers, are safe from any risk that could be aroused from the operational staff.

3. Who can visit Sri Lanka?

All nationalities are welcome to visit Sri Lanka following the health guidelines.

4. Which airports are operating?

Bandaranaike International Airport [BIA] & Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport [MRIA] are open for charter and scheduled flight operations while Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana [CIAR], Jaffna International Airport (JIA), and Batticaloa International Airport (BTIA) are open for domestic and private jet operations

7. Will I undergo any special medical check upon arrival?

The Airport has set up the required equipment to measure body temperature at the airport terminal.

The completed Health Declaration Form (HDF) should also be submitted on arrival at the airport Health Counters. Declaration Form will be given prior to boarding, on-board the flight, or upon arrival. It can also be downloaded from www.srilanka.travel/helloagain

8. Do I have to provide a negative PCR test upon my arrival?

The fully vaccinated passengers arriving in Sri Lanka from overseas need NOT take PCR or Rapid Antigen Tests prior to arrival from 01st March 2022.

For more information please visit CAASL Special Notice on Arriving Travellers and Crew during COVID-19 pandemic, Exemption of PRE DEPARTURE-COVID-19 testing for FULLY VACCINATED

9. If I come back from abroad, will I be quarantined?

For more information on quarantine measures for travelers arriving from overseas during the pandemic of COVID – 19 please visit www.health.gov.lk/

10. What if I want to change my travel plan?

We recommend connecting with the respective airline and the respective travel agent/tour operator for the latest information: www.airport.lk/flight_info/list_of_airlines

11. How can I get more information on airport operations?

We will keep you updated on the changes of travel advisories & guidelines through our social media channels and official website www.airport.lk. If you require any special information, please contact the Airport Duty Manager: +94 11 226 3333 or email comments@airport.lk

12. What do I have to consider at the aviation security checkpoints?

  • Maintain physical distancing with each other.
  • Prepare for control
    • Please bring only one piece of cabin baggage for inspection.
    • Check-in all other pieces of baggage and all liquids over 100 ml.
    • Store all the contents of your pockets, your mobile phone, and your wristwatch in your cabin baggage or your jacket.
    • Take larger electronic items (laptops, tablets, medical devices) and the one-liter bag out of your cabin baggage before checking.
  • Please enter the checkpoint only when requested and pay attention to the instructions of the security staff.
  • Place the following items in the baggage trays:
    • Bag
    • Larger electronic items (laptops, tablets, medical devices)
    • Outerwear (jackets, coats, etc.)
    • Shoes
    • Belt
  • After passing through the person's control, go to an assigned control place. The screener will scan you from the side or behind. If necessary, you may be asked to put down more items and go through the person’s control again.
  • Please put your luggage trays back yourself.

13. If a person is feeling unwell in the terminal, what should we do?

Passengers experiencing symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness are recommended to report to BIA Health Desk through an airport staff member before the immigration process and to seek medical attention.

14. Should I wear a mask at the airport?

Please note that all passengers and BIA staff should wear a face mask covering their nose and mouth.

15. Are there hand sanitizing stations at BIA?

Hand sanitizers are placed throughout the airport terminal building.

16. Are the duty-free shops, restaurants, and currency exchange counters open at BIA?

Duty-Free Shops, restaurants, and currency exchange counters at BIA are open for passengers. We encourage you cashless transactions through cards.

17. Is airport Fast Track Service (Silk Route) is available at BIA on Arrival?

The Arrival Silk Route facility is temporarily unavailable due to certain health restrictions. However, the departure Silk route facility is available for the comfort of our passengers. Please visit; https://www.airport.lk/fast_track/indvidual_bookings

18. Is the porter service available at BIA?

Yes, porter service is available at BIA.

19. Can I be picked up by friends or family from the airport when I arrive?

No visitors or escorts are permitted into the arrival lobby until further notice.

 

1. Is it necessary to have a pre-departure negative PCR test report?

Please contact your airline to confirm the requirements before you depart.

2. Will I undergo any special medical check upon departure?

The Airport has set up equipment for measuring body temperature before security controls in the departure terminal.

You have to go through the thermal scanning successfully as per the guidelines of the government. Any passenger or visitor with symptoms of COVID-19 infection will not be allowed to enter the airport terminal building.

We kindly request passengers to contact the respective airline www.airport.lk/flight_info/list_of_airlines before the flight!

3. Is there a COVID-19 testing facility available at BIA for departing passengers?

PCR test facility is available at BIA for both arriving and departing passengers.

AASL - HOSPINORM Laboratory & Lounge is now open (24/7) for BIA passengers for PCR testing requirements. For information, please contact +94 0112 255 255.

Location - https://goo.gl/maps/HXKjcYP2pvk67MqN7

4. How early passengers should arrive at the airport for a departure flight?

Passengers shall enter the airport premises at least 3 hours prior to the originally scheduled time of departure.

Example: Flight departs at 12:00hrs, passenger can enter airport premises any time after 09:00hrs

6. Visitors are allowed to the airport?

A few visitors are permitted into the Departure Lobby.

8. Are the duty-free shops, restaurants, and currency exchange counters open at Departure Lobby?

Duty-Free Shops, restaurants, and banks for currency exchange facilities at BIA are open. We encourage you cashless transactions through cards.

9. Can I still get special assistance at the airport?

Yes, our special assistance services are still available if you need them. If you require any assistance at the airport, please book as normal through your airline.

11. What if I want to change my travel plan?

We recommend that you connect with your airline and the respective travel agent/tour operator for the latest information: www.airport.lk/flight_info/list_of_airlines

12. What are the health and precautionary measures have been taken atBandaranaike International Airport (BIA)?

Airports Council International (ACI) certified Bandaranaike International Airport’s commitment to prioritizing health and safety measures in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council Aviation Restart Task Force (CART) recommendations and alignment with the ACI Aviation Business Restart and Recovery guidelines along with industry best practices.

Further, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services and the Sri Lankan Government to support border security requirements. Accordingly, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) requests all airport users to follow recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO). Passengers are kindly requested to maintain hand hygiene using alcohol-based sanitizer or soap and water and maintain social distancing at all times.

Additionally, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) has increased the frequency of cleaning inside our terminals, particularly the bathroom areas and check-in areas, etc. At the same time, hand sanitizers are available throughout the terminal.

All operational staff members are vaccinated for Covid-19 and therefore, both Airport workers, as well as passengers, are safe from any risk that could be aroused from the operational staff.

13. What do I have to consider at the aviation security checkpoints?

  • Maintain physical distancing with each other
  • Prepare for control!
    • Please bring only one piece of cabin baggage for inspection.
    • Check-in all other pieces of baggage and all liquids over 100 ml.
    • Store all the contents of your pockets, your mobile phone, and your wristwatch in your cabin baggage or your jacket.
    • Take larger electronic items (laptops, tablets, medical devices) and the one-liter bag out of your cabin baggage before checking.
  • Please only enter the checkpoint when requested and pay attention to the instructions of the security staff.
  • Place the following items in the baggage trays:
    • Bag
    • Larger electronic items (laptops, tablets, medical devices)
    • Outerwear (jackets, coats, etc.)
    • Shoes
    • Belt
  • After passing through the person's control, go to an assigned control place. The screener will scan you from the side or behind. If necessary, you may be asked to put down more items and go through the person control again.
  • Please put your luggage trays back yourself.

14. If a person who is feeling unwell is in the terminal, what should we do?

Passengers experiencing symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness are recommended to report to BIA Health Desk through an airport staff member before the immigration process and to seek medical attention.

15. Should I wear a mask at the airport?

Please note that all passengers and BIA staff should wear face mask covering their nose and mouth.

16. Are there hand sanitizing stations at BIA?

Hand sanitizing stations are placed throughout the airport terminal building

17. Are the Lounges at BIA open?

Lounges at BIA are open for passengers while adhering to health regulations.

For more information on airport lounges, please visit.

www.airport.lk/lounges/lotus_lounge

www.airport.lk/lounges/araliya_lounge

www.airport.lk/lounges/executive_lounge

18. Is airport Fast Track Service (Silk Route) is available at BIA on Arrival?

The Departure Silk Route facility is available for the comfort of our passengers.

Please visit; https://www.airport.lk/fast_track/indvidual_bookings

19. Is the porter service available at BIA?

Yes, porter service is available at BIA.

20. How can I get more information on airport operations?

We will keep you updated on the changes of travel advisories & guidelines through our social media channels and official website www.airport.lk

If you require any special information, please contact the Airport Duty Manager: +94 11 226 3333 or email comments@airport.lk

To learn about the protective measures being taken by oneworld Alliance member airlines, visit the oneworld COVID-19 information portal. Click here