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Colombo

MAN → CMB

Manchester to Colombo

Route
MAN → CMB
Distance
5,498 miles
Non-stop flying time
around 11h 15m
With one stop
usually 15 hours–17 hours
Arrive at
Bandaranaike International Airport
Local time
UTC+5:30

Leaving from Manchester

The north’s biggest airport, with its own railway station and direct trains across the north of England. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad and Turkish Airlines are among the carriers connecting Manchester to South Asia, Africa and the Far East.

Arriving in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s commercial capital; the airport sits north of the city, handy for the west-coast beaches.

Connections and timing

Typical connecting points on this route: Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Istanbul. Best time to go: december to March for the west and south coasts; the east coast is best from May to September.

Fares on this route are usually lowest when booked well ahead and outside UK school holidays, Eid and Christmas. Being flexible by a day or two, or flying mid-week, often helps — your consultant will tell you what moves the price on your dates.

Other UK airports to Colombo

Questions people ask

How long is the flight from Manchester to Colombo?
The two airports are about 5,498 miles apart. A non-stop flight, where one operates, takes around 11h 15m. With one connection, most journeys take 15 hours to 17 hours door to gate, depending on the layover.
Are there direct flights from Manchester to Colombo?
It depends on the season and the airline — non-stop services start, stop and change frequency through the year. Most travellers on this route connect via Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi. Call us and a consultant will check what is flying on your dates.
Which airport will I land at?
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
How can I get the cheapest fare?
Book early, avoid peak holiday weeks, and be flexible by a day or two if you can. Send us your dates and we’ll compare fares across the airlines for you — or call 020 3137 8781, open 24/7.