Travel Chaos at Bandaranaike International Airport: Flooding Forces Passengers to Reroute via Colombo-Katunayake Expressway – Here’s What You Need to Know

Published on November 30, 2025

Travel Chaos at Bandaranaike International Airport: Flooding Forces Passengers to Reroute via Colombo-Katunayake Expressway – Here’s What You Need to Know. Severe flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah has created major travel disruptions in Sri Lanka, particularly affecting Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo. With several access roads submerged due to the torrential rains, the airport authorities have issued a travel advisory urging passengers to use the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway as the safest route to reach the airport. While BIA continues to operate, the ongoing weather conditions have caused delays, flight diversions, and uncertainties for travelers. For those flying in and out of Sri Lanka, it’s essential to stay updated on flight statuses, recheck transport routes, and prepare for potential delays. As the country navigates through these challenging conditions, understanding how to adjust travel plans will be crucial for a smooth journey.

Travel Chaos at Bandaranaike International Airport: Flooding Forces Passengers to Reroute via Colombo-Katunayake Expressway – Here’s What You Need to Know

Severe weather conditions in Sri Lanka have triggered widespread flooding, severely affecting travel routes leading to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo. Passengers flying in and out of the country are being urged to use the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway, as several major access roads remain flooded. The impact of this weather event on Sri Lanka’s tourism, airlines, and the hospitality sector is substantial, creating delays and reroutes for travelers. Understanding how to navigate these challenges is essential for those planning to visit Sri Lanka in the coming days and weeks. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the disruption.

Flooding Forces Major Changes at Bandaranaike International Airport

Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is Sri Lanka’s primary international gateway. While the airport remains operational, its accessibility has been severely compromised due to heavy rainfall brought on by Cyclone Ditwah. The expressways leading to the airport are submerged, and several secondary roads have been closed due to flooding and landslides. Consequently, the Sri Lankan government and Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. have issued advisories recommending that passengers use the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway, which remains the safest route to access the airport during this weather emergency.

For travelers arriving in Sri Lanka, this situation is an inconvenience that can lead to significant delays. Local authorities have also urged passengers to monitor flight status closely, as weather conditions could cause further disruptions in air traffic. In the past, such extreme weather events have resulted in delays, cancellations, and rerouted flights. Travelers are advised to arrive early and take into account possible road congestion.

Flight Details: Airlines Affected by Disruptions

Several international and regional airlines operating through BIA have been impacted by the flooding. Notably, major carriers such as SriLankan Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Air India have all issued travel advisories regarding delays and diversions. While SriLankan Airlines, as the national carrier, is closely monitoring the situation and working to adjust flight schedules, other airlines are also rerouting some of their flights to alternative airports in the region. Flights from cities like Dubai, New Delhi, and London have faced delays, with some even being diverted to airports outside of Colombo to ensure passenger safety.

Airlines have advised passengers to stay in close contact with their respective airlines or travel agents for updates on flight times and status. For those whose flights have been delayed, airlines are providing accommodation, food, and transport assistance where necessary. Many hotels and resorts are offering flexible booking policies, recognizing that the current situation may disrupt guests’ plans.

Travelers should keep in mind that the airport authorities are working tirelessly to maintain normal operations despite the challenging conditions. However, the unexpected nature of extreme weather in the region means that delays are almost unavoidable in the short term.

Colombo-Katunayake Expressway: A Lifeline for Travelers

While flooding has severely disrupted the usual access roads to Bandaranaike International Airport, the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway remains operational and continues to serve as a critical route for travelers looking to reach the airport safely. This expressway, which connects Colombo to Katunayake, is designed to facilitate quick travel to the airport from the city center and other surrounding areas. During times of crisis like this, the expressway is being used by both locals and international travelers alike to bypass flooded and dangerous roads.

Travelers are encouraged to use the expressway even if they are not based in Colombo. For visitors who are staying in other regions, like Negombo or Mount Lavinia, reaching the expressway is recommended. However, road conditions can change rapidly due to the ongoing rainfall, so travelers should always check local weather and traffic updates before heading out.

For visitors unfamiliar with the route, it’s advisable to take a taxi, pre-arranged airport transfer, or private vehicle to avoid getting lost or delayed. Most hotels in Colombo and surrounding areas are offering shuttle services to and from the airport, ensuring that guests remain informed about the safest travel routes.

Disruptions to the Hospitality Industry: Impact on Hotels and Resorts

Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry is seeing a temporary dip in its usual high volume of international tourist arrivals due to the adverse weather conditions. Major hotels in Colombo and popular tourist areas such as Galle, Kandy, and Negombo have seen cancellations as visitors postpone their trips due to the ongoing travel chaos.

Luxury resorts and boutique hotels in Sri Lanka are working hard to accommodate guests, but they are also taking steps to ensure the safety of both staff and visitors. In some cases, beachside resorts and those located in high-risk zones are providing emergency accommodation to displaced families and travelers affected by the floods. These hotels are also offering discounted rates and flexible booking options for guests whose travel plans have been affected by the weather.

Additionally, some hotel chains are shifting their marketing strategies to appeal to domestic travelers in the aftermath of the flooding. Sri Lanka’s tourism ministry has stated that efforts are underway to boost local tourism and ensure that the country’s tourism infrastructure can recover from the short-term setbacks.

Despite the setbacks, the Sri Lankan hospitality industry remains resilient. Hotels are continually updating guests on the status of their bookings, offering full refunds for cancellations, and providing full refunds or rebooking options for visitors who are unable to make their scheduled travel dates due to the current weather disruption.

Travel Tips for Tourists Visiting Sri Lanka During Adverse Weather Conditions

If you’re planning to visit Sri Lanka, it’s crucial to be prepared for unexpected weather disruptions, especially in the coming weeks. Here are some essential travel tips to ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible:

1. Stay Updated on Flight Status:
Flights may be delayed, canceled, or diverted. Always check with your airline for up-to-the-minute flight status updates. Airlines such as SriLankan Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Air India are making efforts to keep their passengers informed. Many airlines are offering flexibility with bookings, so make sure to confirm your flight time before heading to the airport.

2. Arrive Early at the Airport:
Given the current weather conditions, there may be long queues at the airport. Make sure to give yourself extra time to reach the airport, especially if you’re traveling during peak hours. The flooding on access roads could cause unexpected delays, so allow for at least 2-3 extra hours for travel.

3. Avoid Flood-Prone Areas:
If you plan to explore Sri Lanka’s beautiful landscapes, be mindful of regions at higher risk for flooding, such as the central hill country and coastal areas. Stay informed about weather advisories from local authorities and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

4. Opt for Reliable Transport Options:
When traveling to or from the airport, use the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway as your primary route. This will be the most reliable road during the flooding crisis. If you’re staying in Colombo, arrange a pre-booked taxi or shuttle service to avoid getting stuck in traffic.

5. Secure Travel Insurance:
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellations, delays, and disruptions due to weather events. Travel insurance will protect you against unanticipated changes in your flight itinerary, helping you recover your expenses for accommodation or activities that were canceled due to the storm.

Impact on the Tourism Industry: Short-Term Setbacks

In the short term, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is facing setbacks, primarily due to weather disruptions. However, the country’s tourism ministry remains optimistic about the long-term recovery, focusing on diversifying its tourism offerings and ensuring that future visitors will be able to enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience once the weather stabilizes.

Despite the weather disruptions, Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, cultural attractions, and warm hospitality continue to make it an attractive destination for travelers from around the world. Once the weather conditions improve, the country expects a resurgence in tourism, especially from major source countries such as India, Russia, and the United Kingdom.

For now, visitors are encouraged to stay flexible with their travel plans and remain patient as the country navigates through this weather crisis. Tourists are advised to monitor local news and weather updates regularly and stay in touch with their airlines and accommodation providers to ensure the safest possible journey.

Looking Forward: The Future of Sri Lanka’s Tourism

While the short-term disruptions caused by Cyclone Ditwah and flooding may affect Sri Lanka’s tourism numbers, the industry’s long-term prospects remain positive. Once the weather settles, Sri Lanka will likely see a resurgence in international visitors, particularly as the country works to rebuild and improve its tourism infrastructure.

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has shown resilience in the face of past challenges, and it is expected that once normalcy returns, tourists will flock to the island nation once more. In the meantime, the hospitality industry is working closely with airlines, government authorities, and local communities to ensure that travelers are informed, safe, and able to enjoy their stay.

For travelers planning a visit to Sri Lanka, the key takeaway is to stay informed, plan ahead, and remain flexible in the face of the current disruptions. By following these travel tips and being prepared, you can ensure a smooth, safe, and memorable experience in this beautiful island nation.

Travel Chaos at Bandaranaike International Airport: Flooding Forces Passengers to Reroute via Colombo-Katunayake Expressway – Here’s What You Need to Know. With severe floods impacting access roads, travelers face delays and must find alternate routes to catch their flights on time.

Despite the current challenges, Sri Lanka remains a top destination for travelers, and with patience and proper planning, the island’s charms will continue to captivate visitors from around the world.