Koggala Airport

Koggala Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true air gateway to the tropical paradise of southern Sri Lanka. Located on a narrow strip of land between the azure Indian Ocean and a picturesque lake, it offers travelers breathtaking views right upon landing, turning an ordinary flight into an unforgettable sightseeing tour. This cosy airfield allows tourists to instantly find themselves in the centre of resort life, bypassing long hours of tiring travel on the island's roads, and to begin their holiday from the very first minutes of arrival.

Koggala Airport possesses a number of unique features that make it attractive for specific categories of tourists:

Ideal location. The main advantage of the airport is its proximity to the most popular beach resorts of the south. From here, you can reach the famous Galle Fort, the beaches of Unawatuna, Weligama, or Mirissa in just 15–20 minutes. This is an excellent alternative to the multi-hour transfer from Colombo.

Scenic flights. Since the airport mainly serves small aircraft and seaplanes (for example, Cinnamon Air), the flight takes place at a relatively low altitude. This provides an opportunity to enjoy stunning panoramas of the coastline, tea plantations, and the ocean from a bird's eye view.

No queues. Thanks to its compact size and low passenger flow, all formalities here are completed with lightning speed. You will not have to stand in long queues for check-in or baggage claim, which significantly saves time and reduces stress.

Historical atmosphere. The airfield has a rich past: during World War II, a significant seaplane base was located here. Aviation history enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to touch this heritage, as the spirit of old aviation still hovers over the runway, which neighbors an Air Force base.

Below is the main contact information for Koggala Airport (KCT). It is important to note that this is a small domestic airport shared with an airbase, so some standard contacts found at major hubs may be unavailable.

• Official Website: Koggala Airport does not have its own official website for passengers. Up-to-date information on flight schedules, carriage rules, and services is best verified directly on the websites of the airlines operating flights to this airport (e.g., Cinnamon Air).
• Inquiry Service Phone: +94 91 228 3301. It is recommended to use this number for general questions about airport operations; however, for information regarding specific flights, you should contact your air carrier.
• Address: Koggala, Southern Province, Sri Lanka. The airport is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, close to popular resorts.
• Email: A dedicated email address for passenger inquiries is generally not provided. For communication, it is recommended to use the support channels of your airline.
• Social Media: Koggala Airport does not maintain official pages on social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, it is necessary to contact the Lost & Found service of the airline you flew with directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Support regarding booking, check-in, date changes, and other flight details is provided by the airline that sold the ticket.

Koggala Airport (KCT) is conveniently located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, making it easily accessible from the town of Koggala itself and nearby popular resorts such as Galle, Unawatuna, and Mirissa. You can reach the terminal in several ways, the choice of which depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and desire to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.

The most popular and convenient way to get to the airport is by taxi or tuk-tuk. They can be found almost everywhere. A trip from the centre of Koggala will take just 5-10 minutes. If you are travelling from Galle or Unawatuna, expect a journey of 20-30 minutes. It is recommended to agree on the fare in advance, especially with tuk-tuk drivers. For a more predictable price, you can use mobile apps such as PickMe or Uber, which are widely used in this region.

For budget travellers, public transport is an excellent option. Buses constantly run along the main coastal road, Galle Road. You need to board any bus heading towards Galle or Matara and ask the driver to stop at the airport. This is the cheapest, but also the least comfortable method, especially if you have a lot of luggage. An alternative could be the train: Koggala railway station is located very close to the airport. From the station to the terminal, you can quickly take a tuk-tuk in a few minutes.

If you prefer independence in your movements, you can use a rental car. Car rental, both with and without a driver, is popular in Sri Lanka. This option is ideal if you plan to explore the southern coast on your own and want to reach the airport comfortably for your flight. For those arriving in their own or rented transport, Koggala Airport provides parking where you can leave your vehicle while waiting or for a longer period.

To summarise: for maximum comfort and predictability, it is better to book a hotel transfer or use a taxi app. If you are looking for adventure and want to save money, feel free to choose the train or bus. Regardless of the chosen method, always allow extra time for the journey to avoid rushing before departure.

Koggala Airport (KCT) is a small and compact airport that primarily serves domestic flights within Sri Lanka and seasonal international charters. Unlike major aviation hubs, everything here is arranged very simply and clearly, making it convenient for tourists who are not used to complex terminal layouts.

The airport structure is extremely simple: it consists of one small terminal, which simultaneously serves both arriving and departing passengers. The arrival and departure zones are physically separated but are located in the same building just a few steps away from each other. Thanks to the small size and the absence of complicated passageways, navigation through the terminal is intuitive, and getting lost here is practically impossible.

Inside the terminal, you will find everything necessary: a few check-in counters, a security screening area, a small waiting lounge, and the boarding gate. Check-in and screening procedures usually proceed very quickly, especially compared to large airports. Typically, the entire process from entering the building to reaching the gate takes no more than 20-30 minutes, although there may be small queues during peak times.

No special maps or signs are required for navigation — all key zones are within direct line of sight. After check-in, you immediately proceed to security, and then to the waiting lounge located directly in front of the exit to the airfield. Since there are no transfers between terminals, you do not need to worry about transit. This makes the airport in Koggala an excellent choice for a calm start or end to your journey along the island's southern coast.

The history of Koggala Airport (KCT) is unique and closely intertwined with world events of the 20th century. It was founded not as a civil facility, but as a military base. Construction began in 1939 by the British Royal Air Force (RAF), and during World War II, the airfield, known as RAF Koggala, became the largest seaplane base in all of Asia.

Flying boats, such as the Consolidated PBY Catalina and Short Sunderland, took off and landed on the waters of Koggala Lake, patrolling the Indian Ocean. The base played a key role in ensuring the safety of Allied maritime convoys. After the end of the war and Sri Lanka gaining independence, the facility was handed over to the Royal Ceylon Air Force (now the Sri Lanka Air Force) and was named SLAF Koggala, continuing to function as a military base.

A new stage in the airport's history began in the 21st century with the development of tourism on the island's southern coast. To improve transport accessibility to popular resorts, a decision was made to adapt the military airfield for civil aviation needs. After the necessary infrastructure upgrades, including the construction of a small passenger terminal, Koggala Airport began accepting domestic commercial flights. Today, it serves both military and civil aircraft, acting as an important air gateway for tourists heading to Galle, Weligama, and Mirissa.

Koggala Airport (KCT) is a small and cosy air terminal serving mainly domestic flights and private charters. Despite its compact size, it offers passengers a basic set of services for a comfortable wait before departure.

In the terminal, you will find a small cafeteria where you can have a snack, coffee, or soft drinks. The selection of dishes and snacks is limited but sufficient for a short wait. There is also a small shop here where you can purchase souvenirs, newspapers, and essential items. A common lounge is equipped for waiting for flights, and some airlines operating charter and business flights may offer access to a small VIP lounge with an enhanced level of comfort.

For those who need to stay connected, Wi-Fi is available at the airport. The waiting lounge also has power outlets and charging stations for mobile devices, so you can easily recharge your gadgets before the flight. Regarding financial services, an ATM may be installed in the terminal building. However, full-service bank branches and currency exchange points are absent, so it is recommended to arrange currency exchange in advance in nearby towns.

In case of necessity, a first aid point operates at the airport, where qualified personnel can assist with minor ailments. For passengers with children, basic amenities are provided, including restrooms suitable for infant care. There are no specialised play areas for children at the airport.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility. Staff are ready to provide necessary assistance during boarding and disembarking. Nevertheless, it is strongly recommended to notify your airline in advance of the need for special services. There are no hotels within the airport territory itself, however, since Koggala is a popular resort area, you will easily find numerous accommodation options in the immediate vicinity. Specialised conference rooms and business centres are absent at the airport.

Koggala Airport (KCT) is a small regional airport, and the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. Travellers should not expect a wide variety of restaurants as found in major international hubs. Nevertheless, there is an opportunity to have a snack before departure.

The main food outlet at the airport is usually a small cafe or kiosk located in the general waiting area before security control (landside). The assortment is mainly focused on quick and simple snacks. Here you can buy sandwiches, pastries, chips, as well as soft drinks, coffee, and, of course, the famous Ceylon tea. Sometimes the menu includes simple local dishes, for example, "short eats" — small pastries or rolls with vegetable or meat fillings.

Options for a full lunch or dinner are practically non-existent here. Regarding special dietary needs, finding certified Halal, vegan, or gluten-free meals is unlikely. However, among local snacks, vegetarian options are often found, for instance, with vegetable fillings. Prices are generally moderate but slightly higher than in the city.

The opening hours of dining establishments at Koggala Airport depend directly on the flight schedule. Usually, they are open during the hours before departure and after the arrival of aircraft. If you require a substantial meal or follow a strict diet, it is strongly recommended to eat beforehand prior to arriving at the airport.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Koggala city proceeds smoothly and without unnecessary stress, make use of our tips. Koggala Airport (KCT) is a small regional air hub, so many procedures here take less time than in major hubs, but good preparation never hurts.

Arrival time and check-in. For domestic flights within Sri Lanka, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure, and for international flights (if applicable) — 2-3 hours. This time will be sufficient to calmly complete check-in, drop off luggage, and pass pre-flight screening. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option.

Security control and hand luggage. Security procedures here are standard. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready. Remember the restrictions on carrying liquids in hand luggage: containers up to 100 ml packed in one transparent bag are allowed. Verify the exact weight and dimension allowances for hand luggage with your airline in advance. When departing from Sri Lanka, restrictions apply to the export of tea (usually up to 6 kg), as well as antiques and unprocessed gemstones.

Seat selection and connections. If you have the opportunity to choose a seat on the plane, book a window seat. During takeoff and landing in Koggala, stunning views of the Indian Ocean coast open up. As this is a small airport, long layovers are rare here. If you have a connecting flight, study the terminal infrastructure in advance — it may be modest.

Tips for saving money. To avoid overpaying, book a taxi or transfer from the airport in advance. Prices for food and drinks at airports are traditionally higher, so you can have a snack before arriving. It is always useful to have some local currency (Sri Lankan Rupees) for small expenses, although you can usually pay by card or exchange money at the airport.

If the flight is delayed. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative. Depending on the length of the wait, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts and documents — they may be needed to receive compensation from the airline or through your travel insurance.