Photo by Thilina Alagiyawanna on PexelsHow long do I need for a layover at Bandaranaike International (CMB)?
We recommend at least 1 hour for a comfortable connection at Bandaranaike International. The minimum connection time is 45 minutes for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights. Transit between terminals takes up to 20 minutes.
What is the minimum connection time at CMB?
Domestic-to-Domestic: 45 min. Domestic-to-International: 45 min. International-to-Domestic: 45 min. International-to-International: 60 min. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell at Bandaranaike International.
Is CMB easy to connect through?
Colombo's Bandaranaike International is a modest single-hub airport built around SriLankan Airlines' overnight bank of departures, so most connections are straightforward within one compact terminal complex. The main challenge is the airport's notorious pre-dawn congestion, when security and immigration queues can back up significantly due to the concentration of flights between midnight and 4am. Most connecting passengers stay within Terminal 1, walking between gates after a security re-screening point near the transit desk. Terminal 2, opened to relieve congestion, is a separate building reached by a shuttle bus or a longer outdoor walk, and passengers connecting between the two terminals should allow extra time as it is not directly linked airside.
Is 30 minutes enough for a layover at CMB?
Still short of minimum connecting times and leaves no buffer for peak-hour security queues. See full 30 min guide →
Is 45 minutes enough for a layover at CMB?
Meets the domestic-linked MCTs but is the bare minimum, risky during the midnight-to-4am crunch. See full 45 min guide →
Is 1 hour enough for a layover at CMB?
Meets the standard international-international MCT and should be sufficient in normal conditions. See full 1 hr guide →
Is 1 hour 15 min enough for a layover at CMB?
Comfortable buffer even with a shuttle transfer to Terminal 2 or moderate security delays. See full 1¼ hr guide →
Is 1½ hours enough for a layover at CMB?
Ample time for any terminal combination, including peak-hour congestion. See full 1½ hr guide →
Is 2 hours enough for a layover at CMB?
Well beyond any realistic requirement at this compact airport. See full 2 hr guide →
Is 2½ hours enough for a layover at CMB?
Excess time allowing for a relaxed transfer with time to spare in the limited terminal amenities. See full 2½ hr guide →
Is 3 hours enough for a layover at CMB?
More than enough even accounting for the busiest overnight periods. See full 3 hr guide →
Is 4 hours enough for a layover at CMB?
Long layover; consider it more of a wait than a tight connection, with little to do beyond basic facilities. See full 4 hr guide →