Qatar Airways joins Air India, IndiGo, SriLankan Airlines & Etihad Flights to Resume as Bandaranaike Airport in Sri Lanka returns to Normal After Heavy Rain Diversions to Mattala and Cochin — India, UK, Russia & China Tourists Rejoice

Image generated with Ai

Heavy rainfall triggered by the strengthening South‑West monsoon caused significant operational disruption at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake on 22 May 2026, forcing the diversion of nine incoming international flights to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport and major Indian airports such as Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram as a precautionary safety measure. Airport authorities confirmed that flight operations have since resumed and returned to normal, much to the relief of travellers from India, the United Kingdom, Russia, China and other key source markets. This development signals a quick operational recovery following temporary weather‑related flight disruptions.

Cause of the Issue or Disruption

On May 22, 2026 the Meteorology Department reported that intense rainfall exceeding 300 mm had occurred across western Sri Lanka due to the South‑West monsoon becoming established, particularly impacting the Gampaha and Kegalle districts near Katunayake.
Heavy rain reduced visibility and runway drainage efficiency at Bandaranaike Airport (CMB), prompting aviation authorities to divert flights for safety.
The prevailing wet conditions also disrupted surface travel, flooding roads and impacting traffic and rail services in the Colombo metropolitan area.
The monsoon pattern is typical for May–September in Sri Lanka, though the intensity can vary year to year and sometimes leads to localized transport disruptions.

Airlines or Countries / Regions Affected

Nine international arrivals were diverted due to weather conditions affecting operations at Katunayake.
• Qatar Airways flights from Doha were rerouted to Mattala.
• Air Arabia flights from Sharjah diverted to Mattala.
• Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) and Jazeera Airways (Kuwait) were also rerouted to Mattala.
• SriLankan Airlines (from Dubai) and IndiGo (from Chennai) were diverted to Cochin Airport in India.
• An Air India flight from New Delhi was rerouted to Thiruvananthapuram Airport.

Passengers from India, the United Kingdom, Russia, China, Germany, Australia, France, the United States, and Japan were among those most likely to be affected, given Sri Lanka’s top source markets so far in 2026.

Impact on Passengers

For travellers bound for Sri Lanka, weather‑related flight diversions meant schedule changes, unexpected transits and the need to rebook onward travel once operations resumed.
Many flights continued to alternative airports on the same day while airlines worked with ground handlers to support passenger transfers.

Real‑World Impact

• Delays and itinerary disruptions: Flight diversions to Mattala and Indian airports added transit time and logistical adjustments for passengers.
• Travel confidence: Some travellers reported concerns over weather and safety, prompting them to monitor conditions closely before departure.
• Seasonal travel considerations: Tourists arriving during the southwest monsoon period may experience intermittent disruptions due to heavy rain showers across parts of the island.
• Local transportation: Roads in and around Colombo experienced flooding, affecting ground connectivity for arrival and departure transfers.

Airline & Industry Response

Airlines diverted flights proactively as a precautionary safety measure to ensure flight safety amid reduced visibility and runway conditions.
Following the weather improvement, operations at Bandaranaike Airport returned to normal with flights resuming standard landing and take‑off procedures, and passengers were accommodated by airline customer service teams.
Sri Lanka’s aviation and tourism bodies emphasised coordination with airlines to minimise disruption impacts and support passengers through re‑accommodation and rebooking processes where applicable.

Some airlines may adjust future flight schedules or increase communication with travellers during peak monsoon periods to pre‑empt potential weather effects and maintain confidence in flight reliability.

What Travelers Should Do

If you are flying to or from Sri Lanka during periods of heavy rain or monsoon activity, follow these practical steps:

• Check your flight status regularly directly with the airline and the airport.
• Confirm gate and landing details before leaving for the airport.
• Download airline apps for live updates on delays, rebookings and boarding information.
• Allow extra travel time for airport transfers in case local roads are affected.
• Purchase travel insurance that covers weather‑related delays and diversions.

Current Tourist Context in Sri Lanka

Tourism to Sri Lanka continues to grow in 2026, despite occasional weather‑related disruptions. Official data shows foreign tourist arrivals exceeding 700,000 between January and late March 2026.
Top source markets include:
• India: ~139,164 arrivals.
• United Kingdom: ~74,295 arrivals.
• Russian Federation: ~63,505 arrivals.
• China: ~12,166 arrivals.
• Germany, Australia, France, USA and Japan also contributed significant visitor numbers.
Weekly and monthly reports show strong year‑on‑year gains in arrivals earlier in the year, reflecting sustained travel demand.

FAQ Section

Q1: Why were flights diverted from Bandaranaike International Airport on 22 May 2026?
Flights were diverted due to heavy rain reducing visibility and runway safety conditions, prompting precautionary rerouting to Mattala Rajapaksa and Indian airports.

Q2: Is Bandaranaike Airport fully operational now?
Yes, following the weather improvement, normal flight operations resumed at Bandaranaike Airport.

Q3: Should travellers avoid booking flights to Sri Lanka during the monsoon season?
Not necessarily; travellers should plan with flexibility, monitor forecasts and check airline updates for weather‑related changes.

Q4: What should passengers do if their flight is diverted?
Passengers should contact their airline for rebooking, monitor flight updates, and ensure travel insurance covers weather‑related disruptions.

Q5: Are tourist numbers in Sri Lanka still strong in 2026?
Yes, Sri Lanka recorded over 700,000 tourist arrivals in early 2026, with India, UK and Russia among the leading source markets.