Qatar Airways and Others Resume Flights as Bandaranaike Airport Returns to Normal After Monsoon Disruptions

On May 22, 2026, heavy rainfall from the strengthening South-West monsoon caused significant disruptions at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, leading to the diversion of multiple international flights. Fortunately, major airlines including Qatar Airways, Air India, IndiGo, SriLankan Airlines, and Etihad have resumed their operations as the airport returns to normal operations. This development is a relief to travelers hailing from India, the UK, Russia, China, and other key markets.

Understanding the Disruption

The Meteorology Department noted that intense rainfall exceeding 300mm resulted from the established South-West monsoon patterns, particularly affecting the Gampaha and Kegalle districts around Katunayake. Due to reduced visibility and compromised runway drainage, flight operations at Bandaranaike Airport were affected, making flight diversions to alternative airports a necessary precaution. In addition to airport disruptions, local transport was heavily impacted; flooding on roads led to significant delays affecting ground travel in the Colombo area. Weather disruptions during the monsoon season from May to September are common, varying in intensity and potentially leading to localized travel challenges.

Flight Diversions: Affected Airlines and Routes

As a result of the adverse weather, nine international flights were diverted, including:

• Qatar Airways: rerouted from Doha to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.
• Air Arabia: flights from Sharjah also redirected to Mattala.
• Both Etihad Airways (from Abu Dhabi) and Jazeera Airways (from Kuwait) were shifted to Mattala.
• SriLankan Airlines (from Dubai) and IndiGo (from Chennai) were diverted to Cochin Airport in India.
• An Air India flight from New Delhi was rerouted to Thiruvananthapuram Airport.

Passengers from a diverse range of countries, including India, the UK, Russia, China, and more, found themselves impacted due to Sri Lanka’s standing as a vital tourism destination in 2026.

Impact on Travelers

For many travelers, these weather-related diversions led to significant changes in travel plans, including delays, unexpected layovers, and the need to reorganize onward travel arrangements. While some flights successfully diverted to alternate airports the same day, airlines coordinated with ground staffs to facilitate passenger transfers and assistance.

Real-World Implications

• Delays and schedule changes: The rerouting of flights to Mattala and various Indian airports created longer transit times and logistical challenges for travelers.
• Travel confidence: Many individuals expressed concerns over travel safety, monitoring the weather forecasts closely prior to their departure.
• Seasonal considerations: Travelers who arrive during the southwest monsoon season may encounter sporadic disruptions—particularly from heavy rainfall.
• Local transport issues: Road conditions in and around Colombo suffered from flooding, complicating ground transportation for both arrivals and departures.

Response from Airlines and the Industry

In response to the weather challenges, airlines proactively redirected flights as a safety measure, ensuring passenger well-being. Subsequent to improvements in weather conditions, normal operations at Bandaranaike Airport resumed, facilitating standard landing and take-off protocols. Airline customer service teams were on hand to assist impacted travelers. Moreover, Sri Lanka’s aviation and tourism agencies have worked closely with airlines to reduce disruption impacts and provide necessary support for passenger accommodation and rebooking.

Looking forward, airlines may consider adjusting their schedules or enhancing communication with passengers regarding potential weather issues during the peak monsoon seasons to bolster trust in travel reliability.

Advice for Travelers

Travelers planning to fly to or from Sri Lanka during periods of expected heavy rain or monsoon activity should pay heed to the following recommendations:

• Regularly check your flight status directly with your airline and the relevant airport.
• Confirm your gate and landing details prior to leaving for the airport.
• Download relevant airline applications for timely updates on delays and rebooking.
• Prepare for additional travel time in case of local commuting delays.
• Consider acquiring travel insurance that covers adverse weather conditions.

Tourism Trends in Sri Lanka

In 2026, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector continues to thrive despite occasional weather-induced disruptions. Official statistics reveal over 700,000 foreign tourist arrivals recorded from January to late March 2026. Key source markets include:

• India: approximately 139,164 arrivals.
• United Kingdom: around 74,295 arrivals.
• Russian Federation: roughly 63,505 arrivals.
• China: about 12,166 arrivals.
• Other significant contributions come from Germany, Australia, France, the USA, and Japan.

The figures indicate a strong year-on-year increase, demonstrating sustained demand for travel to this captivating island nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What caused the flight diversions from Bandaranaike International Airport on May 22, 2026?
Heavy rainfall created poor visibility and jeopardized runway safety, prompting redirects to Mattala Rajapaksa Airport and Indian airports.

Q2: Is Bandaranaike Airport operational now?
Yes, normal flights resumed after the weather improved.

Q3: Should travelers avoid scheduling flights during the monsoon season?
Not necessarily; flexibility is key, and travelers should remain updated with flight forecasts.

Q4: What actions should passengers take if their flight is diverted?
Contact your airline for assistance with rebooking and stay informed about flight updates.

Q5: Are tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka continuing to grow in 2026?
Yes, with over 700,000 recorded tourist arrivals in early 2026, key markets include India, the UK, and Russia.

Source: The post Qatar Airways joins Air India, IndiGo, SriLankan Airlines & Etihad Flights to Resume as Bandaranaike Airport in Sri Lanka returns to Normal After Heavy Rain Diversions to Mattala and Cochin — India, UK, Russia & China Tourists Rejoice first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.

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