Finding cheap flights to Sri Lanka doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few strategies and a bit of flexibility, you can get great deals without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Book at the Right Time
Booking your flight at the right time can save you big. The sweet spot to book international flights is usually 2-3 months in advance. This gives you access to promotional fares and discounts without the prices soaring as the departure date gets closer.
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If you’re planning a trip during Sri Lanka’s high season (December to March), book even earlier. Flights can fill up quickly, and waiting until the last minute may mean paying a premium.
Use Flight Comparison Tools
Using flight comparison websites is one of the best ways to find deals. Platforms like Skyscanner, Momondo, and Google Flights are great for comparing prices across multiple airlines and dates.
These sites allow you to see which days have the lowest prices. If you’re flexible with your departure date, you can just browse the calendar and snag the best price.
Set Fare Alerts
Don’t have time to keep checking the prices every day? Set fare alerts. Most travel platforms allow you to set up price alerts for specific destinations.

If Sri Lanka is on your radar, set up an airfare alert for Colombo or any other major city. You’ll get notified when the prices drop, so you never miss a good offer.
Be Flexible With Dates and Destinations
Flexibility is key to getting the cheapest flights. If your schedule allows, consider flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) when flights are typically cheaper. Avoid holidays and weekends, as these tend to be more expensive.
Consider flying into nearby cities if direct flights to Sri Lanka are pricey. For example, you might find cheaper flights to India, Singapore, or Malaysia and then book a budget flight to Colombo (Sri Lanka’s main airport).
Check for Layovers
Sometimes, adding a layover can save you money. Non-stop flights are often more expensive, while flights with layovers are usually cheaper.

If you’re up for a bit of extra travel time, see if there are flights with one or two connections. You might save a good amount doing so.
Don’t forget to check the total layover times. Layovers longer than 6-8 hours can turn into long and tiresome waits. Make sure it’s shorter or choose a layover city where you don’t mind taking a mini-tour during your wait.

Popular Airlines to Sri Lanka
There are a lot of airlines flying into Sri Lanka, and knowing which ones offer the best fares will help in your search. SriLankan Airlines is the national carrier, and they often have good deals from locations worldwide.
Major airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines frequently have flights to Colombo. These airlines tend to be on the pricier side, but they often have sales, so keep an eye on deals from them.
For budget travelers, check out AirAsia, FlyDubai, and Indigo Airlines, which have cheaper options and often fly into Colombo from regional hubs.
Consider Booking One-Way Tickets
Sometimes booking two one-way tickets can be cheaper than a round-trip. Mix and match your airlines; you could fly out with one airline and return with a different one.

This is especially helpful if you find a super cheap one-way ticket but the return fare is too high.
Look for Promo Codes and Airline Sales
Before booking, check if your airline has any ongoing promotions. You can find promo codes for some airlines on their social media or subscription newsletters.
SriLankan Airlines, for instance, sometimes offers discounts for certain routes or specific times of the year. Sign up for airlines’ newsletters to get these deals delivered straight to your inbox.

Join Airline Loyalty Programs
Joining loyalty programs can help you earn miles and points that you can redeem for flight discounts. Even if you don’t fly often, the points add up quickly, and you might get enough for a free or discounted flight.
If you’re a frequent flier with specific airlines like Emirates or SriLankan Airlines, make sure to sign up and take advantage of these rewards.
Use Credit Card Points or Miles
If you have a travel credit card, a great way to save on flights is by redeeming miles. Some cards let you transfer points directly to airlines.
Others will offer better value through their own travel portals. Credit cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One can help you save hundreds on long-haul flights just using points.
Consider Budget Airlines for Regional Flights
If you’re flying to Sri Lanka from a neighboring country, budget airlines are your friend.
Airlines like SpiceJet, AirAsia, and Indigo operate short-haul flights to Colombo for very low prices. Make sure to check luggage allowances, as these budget airlines sometimes charge extra for checked baggage.
Multi-City Flights Can Save You Money
If Sri Lanka is one stop on a larger journey, multi-city flights could help reduce costs. Instead of booking separate tickets, consider a multi-city itinerary that includes Sri Lanka.
Some airlines offer cheaper fares for trips that span multiple destinations. This is particularly useful if you’re planning to visit other countries in South Asia or Southeast Asia on the same trip.
Avoid Peak Travel Days
Flying to Sri Lanka during major holidays or festival times like Christmas, New Year’s, or the Perahera Festival in Kandy can be expensive.
If possible, avoid these peak travel dates and opt for less crowded times. You’ll get better flight deals, and destinations will be quieter too.
Check Nearby Airports
Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the main gateway into Sri Lanka. While it’s the best option for most travelers, consider checking flights to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) in Hambantota.
HRI doesn’t have as many international flights yet, but airlines sometimes offer lower fares to attract travelers to this smaller airport.
Book Directly With the Airline
Third-party booking sites are great for research and comparison, but booking directly with the airline might give you more benefits.
Sometimes, you’ll find promotions and extra discounts that aren’t available on third-party platforms. Plus, dealing directly with the airline gives you more flexibility if you need to change or cancel your flight later.
Be Ready to Book When You Find a Deal
Flight prices can change fast. If you find a good deal, book it right away. Waiting even a few hours can sometimes cause prices to shoot up.
Set a budget for your planned flight to Sri Lanka and be prepared to act when you see the right fare. Don’t procrastinate for too long—good deals don’t last forever.
Check Flights Leaving From Neighboring Countries
If you aren’t finding a good deal from your city, one workaround is checking flights from a nearby major city or country. You might find a cheaper flight from a different airport or country.
For example, if the flights from Mumbai, Bangalore, or Kuala Lumpur are cheaper, consider how much it will cost to get to those cities before flying to Sri Lanka.
Final Thoughts
Finding a cheap flight to Sri Lanka is possible, especially if you’re flexible, prepared, and use the right tools. Compare prices, track fare changes, and time your purchase carefully.
With these flight tips, you can save money and have more to spend when you arrive in beautiful Sri Lanka. Happy traveling!
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