Modern glass terminal at Jaffna International Airport with palm trees and a plane on the runway during golden hour.

Airport

Jaffna International Airport (JAF)

Jaffna International Airport is the main air gateway to the city of Jaffna and Sri Lanka's Northern Province. Compare transfer options to Jaffna city centre, Nallur, Point Pedro, Kayts and other destinations across the Jaffna Peninsula.

Passengers

Luggage

About Jaffna International Airport

Jaffna International Airport is the primary air gateway to the city of Jaffna and Sri Lanka's Northern Province. Originally built as a Royal Air Force airfield during the Second World War, it was reopened as a commercial airport and inaugurated as Sri Lanka's third international airport in October 2019.

Located about 16 km north of Jaffna city centre near Palaly and Kankesanturai, the airport serves domestic connections such as Colombo and limited international services, primarily to Chennai. Its single terminal handles both domestic and international passengers within a compact, easy-to-navigate building.

The airport connects to Jaffna by taxi, tuk-tuk, private transfer and road transport, with typical journeys to the city centre taking around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. There is no direct public airport bus.

For travellers, Jaffna International Airport offers a simple and manageable arrival experience with basic passenger facilities, including a lounge, dining options, a duty-free shop and onward transport connections to destinations across the Jaffna Peninsula.

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Terminal Overview

Travelers walking beneath terminal signs inside an airport

Terminals

Jaffna International Airport has a single passenger terminal that handles both domestic and international flights. The compact terminal serves domestic services such as Colombo and limited international routes such as Chennai.

Ground Transportation Services to and from Jaffna International Airport

Transfers

Book private transfers from Jaffna International Airport to hotels, Jaffna city centre, Nallur and other destinations across the Northern Province.

Hourly Chauffeur

Arrange a professional chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel from the airport, business meetings, site visits or journeys around Jaffna and nearby towns.

Car Rental

Rent a car from Jaffna International Airport for independent travel around Jaffna and onward journeys across the Jaffna Peninsula.

Bus & Group Transfers

Organise minibuses or charter buses for groups travelling between Jaffna International Airport, hotels, temples, event venues and other Northern Province destinations.