Four flights with SriLankan Airlines – the national aviation provider of the Asian state was the backbone of my travel to Jakarta in October 2024. The business class ticket from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Jakarta (CGK) is one of the sweet spots for British Airways Executive Club members. Flying the airlines also meant a stopover in their hub, Colombo Airport (CMB). After I did have flights with the airline before, but could not visit their lounge, I was flattered being at the Serendib Business Class Lounge by SriLankan Airlines for the very first time, in both directions. Here is my lounge review.
SriLankan Serendib Lounge Colombo (CMB) – Location & Access
The SriLankan Airlines Serendib Lounge is located in the international part of Columbo International Airport (CMB). There are multiple sections of this part of the airport. The lounge is close to the gates 1 to 5 and the bus gates. The remaining gates are typically an at most five minute walk away. There are several stores around the lounge, typically featuring characteristic domestic products like tea and nuts. Please note that security checks in Colombo are done at the gate, so that you have to include some extra time in your planning.
The lounge is operating daily, 24 hours. It is majorly focusing on business class passengers and frequent flyers of the company. It is of course also open to other oneworld status customers and business class passengers. However, there are surprisingly many other options at Colombo Airport (CMB) as well. The Serendib Lounge does not accept lounge passes like Priority Pass.
SriLankan Serendib Lounge Colombo (CMB) – Atmosphere
The atmosphere in the Serendib Lounge at Columbo Airport (CMB) is actually quite nice. The palace gate alike doors feel a bit too much, maybe, but once you are in, the lounge has a nice design. The large windows provide a good view about what is going on at the airport. There are different kinds of seating areas, from more cozy options to restaurant-alike table seats. Power sockets are not overwhelming frequent, but you will find a seat with the option to recharge your technical items. The buffet is located at the rear of the cabin.
SriLankan Serendib Lounge Colombo (CMB) – Food & Drink
Regarding that the Sri Lankan airline is not a really big player in the oneworld alliance and in the aviation world, the range of food items is really nice. The pictures have been taken during their breakfast service. I also had a look over the buffet, which is structured similarly with partially different dishes. There is quite a wide range from a few Western option to Sri Lanken curries (wich typically means hot food). Furthermore, they serve a selection of fruit and deserts, bread and starters like salad and other items. The range of drinks is quite okay as well.
SriLankan Serendib Lounge Colombo (CMB) – Services
The SriLankan Serendib Lounge at Colombo (CMB) has dedicated toilets, close to the food buffet. The place also provides the possibility to have a shower. The staff was really kind and friendly. I also had no issue doing some basic work from there – the WiFi worked very well.
SriLankan Serendib Lounge Colombo (CMB) – My View
SriLankan Airlines does not too infrequently feature operational problems. Thus, I was not that positive about the lounge before my visit. However, the airline from Sri Lanka proofed me wrong. It is not an overwhelming posh or breathtaking place. But: it is functional, reliable and offers some good food options and services. The lounge is definitely a nice spot in the whole operation of the airline.
2024 Lounge Reviews
Here are all my lounge reviews I posted in 2024:
Flyctory.com and India
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