As of noon on March 6, the embassy assured citizens that while the travel situation remains fluid, they are fully mobilized to provide emergency assistance to those affected by the widespread flight cancellations.
According to the advisory, the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo remains fully operational. However, the embassy noted that flights routing through the Middle East are heavily impacted by the recent regional escalations. Though some of these Middle Eastern routes have partially resumed, travelers are urged to exercise caution. The embassy emphasized that many commercial flight options avoiding the Middle East entirely are still available, and strongly advised passengers to check directly with their respective airlines for real-time updates regarding delays, cancellations, or route changes.
In a move to accommodate stranded travelers needing more time to secure alternative departure routes, the embassy highlighted that the Government of Sri Lanka is offering a free 14-day visa extension. For non-flight-related emergencies or local tourism inquiries, the advisory directs visitors to utilize the Sri Lanka Tourist Hotline by dialing 1912.
The U.S. Embassy has provided dedicated emergency contact lines for American citizens needing urgent assistance, reachable at +94 11 202 8500. Additionally, the embassy's American Citizen Services unit is hosting walk-in hours Monday through Thursday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM for those who wish to speak directly with a Consular Officer about their disrupted travel plans.
