Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
MVFRBandaranaike International Colombo Airport is currently reporting marginal VFR (MVFR) conditions with broken clouds at 1,600 feet and 6 km visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the north-northeast (30°) at 7 knots. Runway 04/22 is favored with a 7-knot headwind and 1-knot crosswind component.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is 6 km, below VFR minimums in some airspace classifications. Check local requirements before departing VFR. The ceiling is 1600 feet AGL (broken), placing conditions in the MVFR category. Caution: cumulonimbus (thunderstorm) clouds reported at 1,800 ft AGL, indicating convective activity in the area.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 24°C (75°F) with a dewpoint of 24°C. The temperature-dewpoint spread is very narrow, indicating saturated or near-saturated air. Fog formation or low cloud development is likely.
Forecast Outlook
The TAF forecast covers the next 30 hours. Conditions are expected to fluctuate between VFR and MVFR. VFR pilots should be prepared for deteriorating conditions. Expected weather includes: Thunderstorm RA/SHRA. Temporary MVFR conditions are forecast with Thunderstorm RA/SHRA between 12:00Z and 18:00Z. There is a 30% probability of MVFR conditions with Thunderstorm RA/SHRA between 18:00Z and 02:00Z.
Pilot Recommendations
VFR pilots should exercise caution. Consider filing IFR if instrument rated, or postponing the flight if conditions are expected to deteriorate further. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours.
This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.
Forecast (TAF)
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Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
✈️ 04/22
Active: 04
|
10,991 ft | 148 ft | ASP | 37° |
↑ 6.9 kt
•
↔ 1.2 kt
10° angle
|
Weather Statistics - VCBI
5,482 observations | Sep 2025 - May 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 71% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 1.1% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the N averaging 6.4 knots. Temperatures typically range between 19°C and 39°C with an average of 27.4°C. The best months for VFR flying are April, May, February.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 5,482 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - May 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
Nearby Airports
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.
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Recommended guides based on current conditions at VCBI
Official Data Sources
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.