Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is set to operate an additional scheduled service between Colombo and Dubai starting 2 January 2025. The new flight, designated EK654/655, will increase seat capacity on the route by 30%, supporting Sri Lanka’s plans to significantly boost tourist arrivals in 2025.
The additional service will operate six times a week until 31 March 2025. EK654 will depart Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 10:05 hrs (every day except Wednesdays) and arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, at 16:00 hrs. The return flight, EK655, will depart BIA at 22:05 hrs and reach DXB at 01:05 hrs the following day.
From 1 April 2025, the service will expand to a seventh weekly flight on Wednesdays with adjusted timings: the flight from BIA will depart at 22:05 hrs, arriving in DXB at 00:55 hrs, while the return flight will leave Dubai at 13:20 hrs, arriving in Colombo at 19:15 hrs.
The new service will accommodate up to 360 passengers with eight suites in First Class, 42 Business Class seats, and 310 Economy Class seats. Emirates currently operates two direct flights between Colombo and Dubai and a third daily service via Male.
“These are exciting times for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, which is poised for significant growth between 2025 and 2030,” said Rashid Al Ardha, Emirates’ Country Manager for Sri Lanka & Maldives. “As an airline that has supported Sri Lanka’s tourism for nearly 39 years, Emirates remains committed to contributing to the nation’s growth goals. This additional flight is part of our strategy to enhance connectivity and convenience for passengers.”
Emirates and Sri Lanka Tourism share a long-standing partnership, collaborating on initiatives to attract global travelers. With this boost in capacity on the Colombo-Dubai route, Emirates aims to contribute to Sri Lanka’s target of attracting 3 million visitors in 2025.
Since beginning operations in Sri Lanka in April 1986, Emirates has carried over 12 million passengers to and from Colombo. With the four daily flights, the airline will offer over 2,800 seats daily on the route, along with the capacity to transport up to 160 tonnes of cargo.