DUBAI- Emirates (EK) has announced new flights between Colombo (CMB), Sri Lanka and Dubai (DXB), UAE beginning January 2, 2025. This program will greatly increase passenger and cargo capacity, meeting Sri Lanka’s ambitious tourism targets by 2025.
The new service builds on Emirates’ long-standing cooperation with Sri Lanka tourist, encouraging eco-friendly travel and bolstering the country’s tourist and export sectors.
Emirates Flights to Sri Lanka
Emirates will add an additional flight service, EK654/655, to the Colombo-Dubai route beginning January 2, 2025.
This expansion boosts seat capacity on the route by 30%, providing a luxury experience for up to 360 passengers per aircraft in First, Business, and Economy Class cabins. Emirates presently offers two direct flights and one via Male on this route.
EK654 will initially operate six days a week (except Wednesdays), departing Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 10:05 AM and arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Katunayake at 4:00 PM local time.
The return trip, EK655, will depart from Colombo Airport at 10:05 PM and arrive at DXB at 1:05 AM the following day.
Beginning April 1, 2025, a seventh weekly service will be added, with an altered timetable to provide traveler flexibility.
In addition to passenger services, Emirates’ expanded schedule benefits Sri Lanka’s export industry.
With the capacity to transport up to 160 tonnes of cargo every day between Colombo and Dubai, this service facilitates the dispatch of vital commodities such as tea, clothing, and seafood.
Emirates has been a key logistical partner for Sri Lanka since 1986, boosting commerce and economic growth.
With four daily flights, Emirates will now offer nearly 2,800 seats between the two cities. This achievement demonstrates the airline’s dedication to assisting Sri Lanka’s recovery and prosperity by bolstering the tourism and trade industries.
Sri Lankan Tourism Goals
Sri Lanka has set an ambitious goal of attracting 3 million tourists by 2025, with an emphasis on eco-conscious tourism and the promotion of the country’s natural and cultural attractions.
Emirates contributes significantly to this goal by working with Sri Lanka Tourism on worldwide advertising activities and improving travel connectivity.
The increased frequency makes it more convenient for international tourists and Sri Lankan expatriates, maintaining Dubai’s reputation as a crucial gateway for global passengers.
Emirates’ extensive global network raises Sri Lanka’s visibility and accessibility, increasing the country’s desirability as a top destination.
Since beginning operations in Sri Lanka in April 1986, Emirates has transported over 12 million passengers to and from Colombo. This long-standing collaboration demonstrates the airline’s commitment to providing world-class service while also contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic and tourism goals.
Emirates has received awards for its premium customer experience, which is consistent with the country’s aim of catering to high-value tourists.
This new service expansion underscores the airline’s role as a strategic partner in Sri Lanka’s quest to become a top global tourism destination.
A350 to Bahrain and Kuwait
Emirates Airlines expands its network by offering Airbus A350 services to Kuwait and Bahrain, making these the carrier’s second and third routes with the latest aircraft addition.
The Dubai-based carrier will begin service to Kuwait with flight EK853, which departs Dubai at 0125hrs and arrives at 0215hrs. The return aircraft, EK854, will depart Kuwait at 0340hrs and arrive in Dubai at 0625hrs.
Emirates operates the A350 twice a day in Bahrain. Flight EK837 will leave Dubai at 0820hrs and land in Bahrain at 0840hrs, while flight EK838 will depart at 1000hrs and arrive in Dubai at 1215hrs.
The second frequency, EK839, departs Dubai at 1600hrs and arrives in Bahrain at 1620hrs, while EK840 returns to Dubai at 2000hrs after leaving Bahrain at 1745hrs.
The new A350 aircraft’s three-class design enhances passenger comfort. The Business Class cabin has 32 lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, while Premium Economy has 21 seats in a 2-3-2 layout. The Economy Class seats 259 passengers in a 3-3-3 layout.
Emirates improves the passenger experience with the A350’s sophisticated amenities, which include more cabin space, better connectivity, and an enhanced entertainment system.
The aircraft features higher ceilings, larger aisles, improved Wi-Fi capabilities, and the most recent version of the Ice inflight entertainment system.
Emirates has serviced Kuwait since 1989, with 29 weekly flights. The A350’s deployment follows the launch of Premium Economy and refurbished Business Class seats on the Boeing 777 in October 2024. The airline operates 22 weekly flights to Bahrain, using a combination of Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft.