CMB

Best window seat at Bandaranaike International

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offLEFT

Colombo city skyline, Colombo Port breakwaters, coastal shoreline south of the airport

LandingRIGHT

Indian Ocean coastline and beaches near Katunayake, Negombo Lagoon glimpsed to the north, coastal fishing villages with boats

🛫 Taking Off from Colombo (CMB)

Best sideLeft
WhyOn the common runway 22 departure (heading southwest), the aircraft climbs out with Colombo's skyline and port visible to the left, roughly south along the coastline. You'll get a good look at the city's high-rises and the working harbor before the plane heads out over open water.
Look forColombo city skyline, Colombo Port breakwaters, coastal shoreline south of the airport, Indian Ocean
Right window seat view during takeoff from Colombo (CMB) — Colombo city skyline, Colombo Port breakwaters, coastal shoreline south of the airport, Indian OceanRight Side

🛬 Landing at Colombo (CMB)

Best sideRight
WhyLanding on runway 22 brings you in from the northeast on a southwest track, and the airport sits right against the coast. That puts the Indian Ocean shoreline and beaches on the right side of the aircraft as you descend, while the left side mostly shows flat inland plantations.
Look forIndian Ocean coastline and beaches near Katunayake, Negombo Lagoon glimpsed to the north, coastal fishing villages with boats, coconut palm plantations lining the shore
Left window seat view during landing at Colombo (CMB) — Indian Ocean coastline and beaches near Katunayake, Negombo Lagoon glimpsed to the north, coastal fishing villages with boats, coconut palm plantations lining the shoreLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Colombo (CMB) — Indian Ocean coastline and beaches near Katunayake, Negombo Lagoon glimpsed to the north, coastal fishing villages with boats, coconut palm plantations lining the shoreRight Side

Bandaranaike International Airport, located in Katunayake about 30km north of Colombo, is Sri Lanka's main international gateway with a single runway and a compact terminal layout. It serves as the primary hub for SriLankan Airlines and handles the bulk of the country's international traffic.

⛰️ Elevation30 ft
🛫 Runways1 (04/22)
✈️ HubSriLankan Airlines
📍 NearbyRML 25 miKCT 88 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Bandaranaike International (CMB)?

At Bandaranaike International in Colombo: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Colombo city skyline, Colombo Port breakwaters, coastal shoreline south of the airport, Indian Ocean.

What can I see during takeoff from Bandaranaike International in Colombo?

When taking off from Bandaranaike International (CMB), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the common runway 22 departure (heading southwest), the aircraft climbs out with Colombo's skyline and port visible to the left, roughly south along the coastline. You'll get a good look at the city's high-rises and the working harbor before the plane heads out over open water. Notable sights include: Colombo city skyline, Colombo Port breakwaters, coastal shoreline south of the airport, Indian Ocean.

What can I see when landing at Bandaranaike International in Colombo?

When landing at Bandaranaike International (CMB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Landing on runway 22 brings you in from the northeast on a southwest track, and the airport sits right against the coast. That puts the Indian Ocean shoreline and beaches on the right side of the aircraft as you descend, while the left side mostly shows flat inland plantations. Notable sights include: Indian Ocean coastline and beaches near Katunayake, Negombo Lagoon glimpsed to the north, coastal fishing villages with boats, coconut palm plantations lining the shore.

What factors affect the best window seat at Bandaranaike International?

The best window seat at Bandaranaike International (CMB) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Colombo (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.