On this page
Getting to Sri Lanka from the UK just got easier. Since 23 October 2026, British Airways flies non-stop from London Gatwick to Colombo — joining SriLankan Airlines' existing non-stop service from Heathrow. That means two direct options this winter, no change of planes in the Gulf, and around 11 hours door-to-door in the air.
British Airways: London Gatwick to Colombo
- Non-stop, around 11 hours
- Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
- Departs Gatwick in the late afternoon and lands in Colombo the next morning
- Runs through the 2026/27 winter season
- Cabins: World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and Club World (business)
Landing in the morning is ideal: you can be on the south coast by lunchtime, or heading up to the Cultural Triangle the same day.
SriLankan Airlines: London Heathrow to Colombo
- Non-stop, around 11 to 12 hours
- Usually daily
- Sri Lanka's national airline, with Sri Lankan hospitality from the moment you board
A good choice if you prefer Heathrow, need more flexible dates, or want to fly year-round.
Gatwick or Heathrow — which should I choose?
British Airways · Gatwick
Suits travellers in the south and south-east who want BA's cabins and Avios. Mon, Wed, Fri through the winter season.
SriLankan Airlines · Heathrow
More frequent departures and year-round flights, with Sri Lankan hospitality on board.
Both land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), about 45 minutes from Negombo and 1 hour from Colombo.
When is the best time to fly?
The new BA route runs through the winter season — perfect timing, because December to March is peak season on Sri Lanka's south and west coast: calm seas, sunshine, and whale watching off Mirissa. It's also a great time for the Cultural Triangle and hill country.
Read more in my guides to the best time to visit Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka in December.
Planning your trip around the direct flights
A direct flight means you lose less time travelling and gain a day on the island. A typical 10–14 day trip might look like: arrive Colombo in the morning → Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle → Kandy → the hill-country train to Ella → a Yala safari → beach days on the south coast → fly home. See the full route in my 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary.
I build every trip by hand around your flight days, and flight-inclusive packages are ATOL protected.
Flight schedules can change — correct at the time of writing (October 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct flight from London to Sri Lanka?
Yes. British Airways flies non-stop from London Gatwick to Colombo (Mon, Wed, Fri, winter 2026/27) and SriLankan Airlines flies non-stop from London Heathrow to Colombo.
How long is the direct flight from London to Sri Lanka?
Around 11 to 12 hours non-stop.
Which airport do you fly into in Sri Lanka?
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), near Colombo.
Can you book a holiday package with direct flights?
Yes — I can build a tailor-made, ATOL-protected package around either direct flight.