DUBAI- Emirates (EK) has announced additional flights between Colombo (CMB), Sri Lanka, and Dubai (DXB), UAE starting January 2, 2025. This initiative will significantly enhance passenger and cargo capacity, aligning with Sri Lanka’s ambitious tourism goals for 2025.
The new service strengthens Emirates’ long-standing partnership with Sri Lanka Tourism, fostering eco-conscious travel and supporting the country’s tourism and export sectors.
Emirates Flights to Sri Lanka
Starting January 2, 2025, Emirates will introduce an additional flight service, EK654/655, on the Colombo-Dubai route.
This expansion increases seat capacity on the route by 30%, offering up to 360 passengers per flight a premium experience across First Class, Business Class, and Economy Class cabins. Emirates currently operates two direct flights and one via Male on this route.
Initially operating six days a week (excluding Wednesdays), EK654 will depart Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 10:05 AM and arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Katunayake, at 4:00 PM local time.
The return service, EK655, will leave Colombo Airport at 10:05 PM, reaching DXB at 1:05 AM the following day.
Starting April 1, 2025, a seventh weekly service will be added, featuring an adjusted schedule to enhance flexibility for travelers.
In addition to passenger services, Emirates’ enhanced schedule supports Sri Lanka’s export industries.
With the capability to transport up to 160 tonnes of cargo daily between Colombo and Dubai, this service aids the shipment of key exports like tea, apparel, and seafood.
Emirates has been a crucial logistics partner for Sri Lanka since 1986, facilitating trade and economic growth.
With four daily flights, Emirates will now provide over 2,800 seats daily between the two cities. This development underscores the airline’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery and growth by strengthening its tourism and trade sectors.
Sri Lankan Tourism Goals
Sri Lanka has set an ambitious target of attracting 3 million tourists by 2025, focusing on eco-conscious travelers and promoting its natural and cultural assets.
Emirates plays a vital role in this strategy by collaborating with Sri Lanka Tourism on global promotional campaigns and providing enhanced connectivity for travelers.
The increased frequency ensures greater convenience for international tourists and Sri Lankan expatriates, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a key gateway for global travelers.
Emirates’ robust global network amplifies Sri Lanka’s visibility and accessibility, boosting the country’s appeal as a premier destination.
Since launching operations in Sri Lanka in April 1986, Emirates has transported over 12 million passengers to and from Colombo. This enduring partnership reflects the airline’s dedication to providing world-class service while contributing to Sri Lanka’s economic and tourism objectives.
Emirates has garnered accolades for its premium customer experience, which aligns seamlessly with the nation’s vision of catering to high-value tourists.
This new service expansion reaffirms the airline’s role as a strategic ally in Sri Lanka’s journey toward becoming a top global travel destination.
A350 to Bahrain and Kuwait
Emirates Airlines advances its network expansion by introducing Airbus A350 services to Kuwait and Bahrain, marking these destinations as the second and third routes for the carrier’s latest aircraft addition.
The Dubai-based carrier will launch its Kuwait service through flight EK853, departing Dubai at 0125hrs and arriving at 0215hrs. The return flight EK854 will depart Kuwait at 0340hrs, reaching Dubai at 0625hrs.
For Bahrain operations, Emirates deploys the A350 on two daily frequencies. Flight EK837 will depart Dubai at 0820hrs, landing in Bahrain at 0840hrs, with return flight EK838 departing at 1000hrs and arriving in Dubai at 1215hrs. The second frequency, EK839, will depart Dubai at 1600hrs, arriving in Bahrain at 1620hrs, while EK840 returns to Dubai at 2000hrs after departing Bahrain at 1745hrs.
The new A350 aircraft delivers enhanced passenger comfort through its three-class configuration. The Business Class cabin features 32 lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 layout, while Premium Economy offers 21 seats in a 2-3-2 arrangement. The Economy Class accommodates 259 passengers in a 3-3-3 configuration.
Emirates enhances the passenger experience with the A350’s advanced features, including expanded cabin space, superior connectivity, and an upgraded entertainment system. The aircraft introduces high ceilings, wider aisles, enhanced Wi-Fi capabilities, and the latest version of the ice inflight entertainment system.
Kuwait, served by Emirates since 1989, receives 29 weekly flights. The A350 deployment follows the introduction of Premium Economy and renovated Business Class seats on the Boeing 777 in October 2024. The airline maintains 22 weekly frequencies to Bahrain, utilizing a combination of Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft.
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