Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, will operate an additional scheduled service between Colombo and Dubai from January 2, 2025. The newly introduced aircraft, operating as EK654/655, will support a 30 percent increase in seat capacity on the route. Sri Lanka plans to significantly increase tourist arrivals in 2025.

The additional service will operate six times a week until March 31, 2025. EK654 departs Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 10:05 (every day except Wednesday) and arrives Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) at 16:00. seasons). is local). Return flight, EK655 departs BIA at 22:05 hrs and arrives DXB at 01:05 hrs (next). From 1 April 2025, the seventh weekly flight on Wednesdays will operate with an adjusted departure time of 22:05 hrs, with DXB at 00:55 hrs and the return flight from Dubai at 13:20 hrs and 19:00 hrs . Arrives Colombo at 15.00. .

The additional flight will accommodate up to 360 passengers with eight First Class suites, 42 Business Class seats and 310 Economy Class seats, offering a premium customer experience while increasing convenience and choice with an expanded flight schedule. Emirates currently operates two direct flights between Colombo and Dubai and a third daily service via Male.

These are exciting opportunities for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, which is expected to experience significant growth between 2025 and 2030,” said Rashid Al Arda, Emirates’ Managing Director for Sri Lanka and Maldives.

“By providing additional flights with convenient timings, we plan to enhance connectivity for passengers when travelling to and from significant feeder markets within our network,” continued, he added.

With increased capacity on the Colombo-Dubai route, Emirates will contribute to the country’s tourism goals of attracting 3 million visitors by 2025.