Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport

VCBI / CMB

Colombo, LK

Last Updated
Mar 4, 05:10Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 14 min ago
05:10Z

🌙 Night
MVFR
Flight Rules
30°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 21°C
2 kt
Variable
8 km
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1013 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR VCBI 040510Z VRB02KT 8000 FEW018 30/21 Q1013 NOSIG

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 30 ft
FEW 1,800 ft AGL
🌤️
FEW
Few (1/8-2/8 sky coverage)
1,800 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
1,830 ft AMSL
QNH
1013 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1012 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (30 ft)
Pressure Alt
38 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 1,845 ft
ISA Deviation: +15.1°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF VCBI 040500Z 0406/0512 24003KT 8000 FEW018 TX31/0407Z TN21/0500Z BECMG 0417/0419 VRB03KT
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
05:23Z BASE
+0h
MVFR 240° 3 kt
Visibility: 8 km
17:00Z BECMG
+12h
VFR VRB 3 kt

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
Chart Features
  • • Hover for exact values and timestamps
  • • Click legend items to toggle data series
  • • Zoom and pan for detailed analysis
  • • Units automatically converted to preferences
Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
CBI
04
22

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
04/22 10,991 ft 148 ft ASP 37° No wind data
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - VCBI

3,854 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
66.6%
MVFR
31.9%
IFR
1.1%
LIFR
0.3%

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 66.6% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 1.4% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the N averaging 6.9 knots. Temperatures typically range between 19°C and 39°C with an average of 26.9°C. The best months for VFR flying are February, September, October.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: N (0°)
Average Speed: 6.9 kt
Maximum Recorded: 18 kt
Calm Winds: 1.3%
Direction Distribution:
N
32%
NE
23.3%
E
4%
SE
4.1%
S
2.9%
SW
19.1%
W
8.2%
NW
5.1%

Temperature Range

Average: 26.9°C
Range: 19°C to 39°C
19°C 39°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 0%

Best Months for VFR

February September October

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 04/22
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 2.5 kt

Statistics computed from 3,854 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: VCBI
IATA Code: CMB
Type: large airport
Status: active
Elevation: 30 ft MSL

Location

City: Colombo
Country: LK
Latitude: 7.180760°
Longitude: 79.884102°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-5

Runway Information

Runway 04/22
Length: 10,991 ft
Width: 148 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport

Overview

Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport serves as the primary international gateway for Sri Lanka, located near Colombo on the western coast. The airport handles major international and domestic air traffic, situated at a low elevation of 30 feet mean sea level. Its strategic coastal location makes it a critical aviation hub for the region.

Flying Conditions

The airport experiences tropical maritime climate conditions with significant seasonal wind variations. Pilots can expect high humidity and potential thunderstorm activity, particularly during the southwest monsoon season from May to September. The airport's low elevation and coastal positioning contribute to potential wind shear and rapid weather changes.

Notable Features

The single runway 04/22 is a substantial 10,991 feet long, constructed with asphalt surface, accommodating wide-body aircraft operations. The airport's geographical position near the ocean creates unique aerodynamic considerations, including potential sea breeze effects and localized thermal variations. Terrain surrounding the airport is predominantly flat, with minimal elevation changes.

Approach Considerations

Runway 04/22 orientation suggests prevailing wind patterns may influence approach and departure procedures. The extended runway length provides flexibility for various aircraft types and operational requirements. Pilots should anticipate potential crosswind conditions due to the airport's coastal environment and be prepared for rapid meteorological transitions.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.