Bandaranaike International Airport (VCBI)
Colombo, Sri Lanka · Asia-Pacific
By Renzo, CPL
ICAO
VCBI
IATA
CMB
City
Colombo
Country
Sri Lanka
Region
Asia-Pacific
Elevation
30 ft
Runways
1 runway
Coordinates
7.1808, 79.8842
Overview
Sri Lankan gateway on the Indian Ocean. SriLankan Airlines hub with tropical maritime climate.
Current Weather at VCBI
Pilots flying into or out of Bandaranaike International Airport should always check the latest METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) before departure. A METAR is a standardized weather observation issued every hour (or more frequently as a SPECI when conditions change rapidly). It includes wind direction and speed, visibility, cloud layers, temperature, dewpoint, and altimeter setting -- everything you need for a safe go/no-go decision.
Live conditions
Current METAR
METAR VCBI 030810Z 24007KT 9999 SCT016 31/29 Q1009 NOSIGWind 240° at 7 kt — likely active runway near heading 24
Current TAF
TAF VCBI 030500Z 0306/0412 23012KT 9999 SCT016 TX31/0307Z TN26/0400Z PROB30 TEMPO 0306/0310 22015G30KT 5000 SHRA FEW014 BKN016 FEW018CB PROB40 TEMPO 0312/0402 22015G25KT 5000 TSRA/SHRA FEW012 BKN016 FEW018CBDecode METAR for VCBI
Paste the VCBI METAR into our free decoder and get a plain-English breakdown instantly.
Check Weather Before Your Flight
A thorough weather briefing is essential for safe flight operations at Bandaranaike International Airport. Here are the key weather products every pilot should review:
- METARHourly surface observation for VCBI. Includes wind, visibility, ceiling, temp/dewpoint, and altimeter.
- TAFTerminal Aerodrome Forecast covering the next 24-30 hours. Look for expected wind shifts, visibility changes, and precipitation.
- NOTAMNotices to Air Missions for VCBI. Check for runway closures, taxiway restrictions, and navaid outages.
- PIREPPilot Reports from aircraft near Colombo. Real-world turbulence, icing, and cloud top reports.
- SIG/AIRMETArea forecasts for significant weather, turbulence, and icing that may affect operations around Bandaranaike International Airport.
Learn to read sectional charts to plan your route visually, and use our crosswind calculator to check runway compatibility with current winds.
Pilot Resources at Bandaranaike International Airport
Radio Frequencies
Always verify current frequencies in the Chart Supplement (formerly A/FD) before flight. Common frequencies for airports like VCBI include ATIS/AWOS, Ground, Tower (if towered), Approach/Departure, and Clearance Delivery. Frequencies change -- never rely on outdated sources.
Flight Schools Nearby
Browse flight schools near Colombo and compare training programs.
Private Pilot Guide
Everything you need to earn your PPL, from requirements to checkride prep.
METAR Decoder
Decode any METAR report into plain English. Free tool for student and experienced pilots.
Sectional Chart Guide
Learn to read VFR sectional charts for navigation around Colombo.
Training Availability
Flight Training Available
Bandaranaike International Airport has flight schools and training programs operating on the field or nearby. Browse flight schools
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