Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
MVFRMattala Rajapaksa International Airport is currently reporting marginal VFR (MVFR) conditions with broken clouds at 1,800 feet and 10 miles or greater visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the west-northwest (290°) at 9 knots. Runway 23 is favored with a 5-knot headwind and 8-knot crosswind component.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is unrestricted. The ceiling is 1800 feet AGL (broken), placing conditions in the MVFR category. Caution: towering cumulus clouds reported at 2,000 ft AGL, indicating convective activity in the area.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 28°C (82°F) with a dewpoint of 24°C. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread suggests high humidity and potential for visibility restrictions, especially during cooling periods.
Pilot Recommendations
VFR pilots should exercise caution. Consider filing IFR if instrument rated, or postponing the flight if conditions are expected to deteriorate further.
This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.
24-Hour Weather Evolution
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Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
✈️ 05/23
Active: 05
|
11,483 ft | 197 ft | Asphalt | 0° |
↓ 4.5 kt
•
↔ 7.8 kt
120° angle
|
Weather Statistics - VCRI
4,073 observations | Sep 2025 - May 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 82.5% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the NE averaging 6.7 knots. Temperatures typically range between 19°C and 36°C with an average of 27.7°C. The best months for VFR flying are May, September, April.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 4,073 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - May 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
Nearby Airports
About Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport
Overview
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is a large international airport located in southeastern Sri Lanka, positioned near the city of Mattala at coordinates 6.284467, 81.124128. The airport sits at an elevation of 157 feet above mean sea level and serves as a strategic aviation facility in the region. Its single runway (05/23) extends 11,483 feet in length, constructed with an asphalt surface.
Flying Conditions
The airport's location in southeastern Sri Lanka suggests potential for variable tropical weather conditions with potential seasonal wind shifts. Pilots should anticipate potential crosswind scenarios on the 05/23 runway, given its single directional orientation. The moderate elevation of 157 feet MSL indicates minimal terrain-related performance considerations for most aircraft.
Notable Features
The runway's substantial 11,483-foot length accommodates a wide range of aircraft types and provides significant operational flexibility. Its asphalt construction offers a stable surface suitable for heavy commercial and cargo operations. The airport's geographic position suggests potential for complex local atmospheric interactions typical of coastal and inland transitional zones.
Approach Considerations
Runway 05/23 provides a single approach option with significant runway length, allowing considerable margin for landing and takeoff performance. Pilots should carefully assess prevailing wind conditions given the runway's single directional alignment. Standard instrument approach procedures will be critical for safe operations, particularly during periods of reduced visibility or challenging meteorological conditions.
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.
Learn More
Recommended guides based on current conditions at VCRI
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.