Colombo Airport Sees Diversions as Monsoon Rains Arrive
Five aircraft were diverted from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo on 22 May 2026 after severe rainfall reduced visibility and made approaches unsafe. Four flights were rerouted to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in the south; a fifth diverted to Cochin International Airport in Kerala, India. Operations returned to normal later the same day.
What this means for travelers at Colombo
The diversions were caused by localised but intense rainfall consistent with the early arrival of the southwest monsoon over western Sri Lanka. For travelers flying into or out of Colombo during May through August, it is worth monitoring flight status in the 24 hours before departure, particularly for morning and afternoon windows when convective rain is most common — and knowing that flight delay compensation may apply if a diversion causes a significant wait. Sri Lankan Airlines and other carriers operating into CMB have contingency rerouting plans in place; disruptions of this scale are typically resolved within a few hours.
Southwest monsoon and where to travel now
From May through August, the southwest monsoon brings consistent rainfall to Colombo, the western coast and the central highlands. This affects popular itinerary stops including the Galle coast, Kandy and the tea country around Nuwara Eliya. The practical effect is heavier rain and reduced visibility for scenic drives, though temperatures remain warm and most sights remain accessible.
The east coast operates on the opposite monsoon cycle: Arugam Bay, Trincomalee and Batticaloa are in their driest months from May through August. Arugam Bay’s surf season peaks between June and September, attracting surfers from across the world. Travelers with flexibility in their itinerary would do well to base east during this period.
Visa-free entry now in place for 40 nationalities
Sri Lanka’s Parliament approved free visitor visas for nationals of 40 countries on 7 May 2026. The list includes the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Japan and 34 others. Travelers from eligible countries still need to complete an online Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) application before departure — but the fee that previously cost around USD 50 is now waived for a one-year trial period.
Our Sri Lanka monsoon season guide has a full month-by-month breakdown of which coast is dry when, how the two monsoons affect diving and surfing, and what to pack. Our best time to visit Sri Lanka guide maps rainfall and sunshine by region and month. Our Colombo airport guide covers the arrivals process, SIM cards, and what to do in the event of a diversion or delay. If you are heading east, our Arugam Bay guide covers surf conditions, accommodation and transport from Colombo.