Sri Lanka Aviation Permits
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Civil Aviation Authority
- Name: Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL)
- Website: https://www.caa.lk
- Contact: Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, Supreme Building No. 64, Galle Road, Colombo 03 | Tel: +94 112 358 819 | Email: [email protected] | Online permit applications via caa.lk
Estimated Processing Time
Requirements by Operation Type
Prior permission required. 7-day lead time for private flights. Full documentation required.
Prior permission required. 30-day lead time for non-scheduled passenger commercial operations. 7-day lead time for non-scheduled cargo. Specific charter permit requirements apply.
Governed by bilateral air service agreements. Seasonal block overflight permits available for scheduled airlines.
Overflight Permit
- Required: Yes
- Authority: Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL)
- Lead Time: 48 working hours minimum prior to scheduled departure
- Validity: 48 hours from initial requested schedule
- Fees: No CAA processing fees for overflight permits; navigation fees depend on route flown in Sri Lanka FIR
AFTN must be included in flight plan. No CAA processing fees for overflight permits. Online application available via CAASL website. Sri Lanka is a signatory to the Chicago Convention. Strict compliance with ICAO rules required.
Apply through CAASL Air Transport Department with comprehensive flight details and aircraft documents. Block permits available for scheduled and non-scheduled airline flights.
Landing Permit
- Required: Yes
- Authority: Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL)
- Lead Time: 30 days for non-scheduled passenger commercial operations; 7 days for non-scheduled cargo and private flights; 3 days for technical landings; hours for air ambulance/relief
- Validity: 2 days (48 hours) from date of intended operations
- Fees: No CAA processing fees for landing permits; navigation and airport charges apply separately
Non-scheduled passenger commercial operations have the longest lead time at 30 days. Private flights require 7 days. Technical stops 3 days. Air ambulance processed on short notice. Landing permits valid 2 days (48 hours) from date of intended operations. If operations delayed beyond 2 days, re-clearance must be obtained from CAASL. Experienced flight support providers may obtain permits with less lead time.
Apply to CAASL with flight details and full aircraft documentation. Non-scheduled passenger charter requires 30-day lead time. Submit through Air Transport Department or experienced local handler for expedited processing.
Cabotage
Not permitted for foreign operators
General Remarks
Sri Lanka has some of the longest lead times in the region for non-scheduled passenger charter operations (30 days). Two international airports: Bandaranaike International (VCBI/CMB, 24h ops) and Mattala Rajapaksa International (VCRI/HRI, 24h ops). Ratmalana (VCCC) operates daytime only. Operators should plan well in advance for commercial charter operations. Private and cargo flights have shorter lead times (7 days and 3 days respectively).