Airport Assistance Services

The immigration lines at BIA may be crowded in the morning when arrivals from the Gulf region are high and in the late evening when departure banks are crowded. When time is of the essence, Airport Assist's Fast Track service enables eligible passengers to move through immigration, security and airport formalities with greater efficiency.

When you come to Sri Lanka after a long international flight can be overwhelming especially if it is your first time to visit the country. The "Meet and Greet" service offered by Airport Assist consists of a representative who will meet you at the airport terminal, escort you to immigration, baggage and customs, and see you safely to your onward transport.

Airport Assist's lounge access service also helps to make it more comfortable for even Economy Class passengers before their flight. Sit in high quality lounges with free food, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, comfortable seating and a more peaceful atmosphere to await your flight.

The VIP Airport Assistance is an extremely personalised airport experience geared for executives, diplomats, celebrities and travellers who appreciate their privacy. Your dedicated representative is your liaison for the duration of your trip for check-in, priority check-in if available, baggage handling and escort services.

With dedicated assistance, travelling with children, elderly family members or persons that need assistance with mobility is much easier. Airport Assist is available for wheelchair assistance, family support, luggage assistance and personalised assistance at all stages of the airport.

After an already long flight, heavy bags can become very tiring. Having the professional porter services help you to collect your bags, carry them to immigration and customs services, and help you board the plane so you can concentrate on immigration and customs and boarding.

• Give a minimum of 3 hours (when booking multiple international tickets). During peak flight times, immigration and baggage and security screening may be delayed.
• The longest lines usually form at the immigration counters in the early morning from Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi and other gulf cities. Fast Track assistance can be useful if you are on a tight time schedule for your onward connection.
• Most foreign visitors need to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) from the Government of Sri Lanka before arriving in Sri Lanka. Have a photocopied or electronic version on hand with your passport. Official information can be found at https://eta.gov.lk.
• If you're traveling on a separate flight, ask your airline if they can carry your luggage to the end of your trip. Otherwise you will have to pick up your bags and check them in again.
• Wireless internet is available for free throughout the airport and can be used after a quick and easy registration process. Download airline apps prior to your arrival; gate changes are typically posted there first.
• Local SIM cards from Dialog and Mobitel can be obtained immediately on arrival and are usually activated within a few minutes, providing a good value instead of international roaming.
• *Priority Pass, DragonPass, LoungeKey, select premium credit cards and paid access (depending on lounge)
• Airside transit hotel is currently not available; however, there are several hotels in Katunayake and Negombo which are 10–15 minutes away from the airport and offer airport shuttle services.
• Three hours in advance is still the best time to arrive at the airport for international departures, particularly at night and on holiday days.
• Babies will be catered for with baby changing facilities throughout the terminal, accessible toilets, and family friendly waiting spaces.
• If a passenger who uses a wheelchair needs any assistance from the airline, he or she should inform the airline at least 48 hours before traveling.
• If the layover lasts long enough (more than 6 hours) and you are allowed to enter Sri Lanka, then you can visit Negombo or even central Colombo before heading back to the airport if you have enough time for your return journey.