China Bay

China Bay Airport in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, opened as a wartime airfield in 1942 and today operates a single modest terminal serving the northeast coast. The facility is small but strategically important—shared with the Sri Lanka Air Force—so it’s not a major commercial hub but handles occasional regional and domestic services. Located roughly 6–8 km from Trincomalee city center, China Bay is reachable by local buses, taxis and short drives from the railway station and coastal attractions, making it convenient for beach and heritage travelers. Fares can be affordable thanks to limited ground costs, though infrequent routes sometimes push prices up.