Emirates has announced the introduction of an additional scheduled service between Colombo and Dubai, set to commence on January 2, 2025. The new service, operating as EK654/655, will boost seat capacity on the route by 30% and aligns with Sri Lanka’s plans to significantly increase tourist arrivals in the coming year.
The additional flight will operate six days a week—every day except Wednesdays—until March 31, 2025. EK654 will depart Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 10:05 a.m., arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake at 4 p.m. local time. The return flight, EK655, will leave Colombo at 10 p.m., reaching Dubai at 1:05 a.m. the following day.
Starting April 1, 2025, a seventh weekly flight will be introduced, operating on Wednesdays with a revised schedule. This flight will depart Dubai at 1:20 p.m., arriving in Colombo at 7:15 p.m., while the return leg will leave Colombo at 10:05 p.m. and reach Dubai at 12:55 a.m.
The new service will accommodate up to 360 passengers, offering eight suites in First Class, 42 seats in Business Class, and 310 in Economy Class. This addition enhances customer convenience and provides greater flexibility with an expanded flight schedule.
The move comes as part of Emirates’ long-standing partnership with Sri Lanka Tourism to promote the island nation as a travel destination. With its eco-conscious appeal and abundant natural and cultural resources, Sri Lanka aims to attract 3 million visitors by 2025.
Since beginning operations to Sri Lanka in April 1986, Emirates has been a consistent supporter of the country’s tourism and export sectors, transporting over 12 million passengers to and from Colombo. The airline currently operates two direct daily flights between Colombo and Dubai, along with a third daily service via Malé.
With the addition of this fourth daily service, Emirates will offer over 2,800 seats daily in both directions between Colombo and Dubai. The airline will also have the capacity to carry up to 160 tonnes of cargo on these flights, further strengthening trade and export links.
Emirates’ additional flight comes as Sri Lanka prepares to capitalize on growing global interest in the region, with this enhanced connectivity poised to play a key role in achieving the nation’s ambitious tourism targets.
