Travelers flying between Sri Lanka and Dubai now have three daily non-stop Emirates services to choose from, including two flights operated by Airbus A350 aircraft with Premium Economy cabins.
The airline has also added a second daily A350 service on the Dubai-Colombo route from August, giving passengers more opportunities to travel on its latest-generation aircraft.
Emirates and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) have renewed their tourism partnership as the airline continues to promote Sri Lanka across its global network.
The partnership was renewed through a Memorandum of Understanding at Arabian Travel Market 2026.
More flight choices for travellers
Emirates operates three non-stop daily flights between Colombo and Dubai.
The airline operates EK648/649 and EK654/655 with Airbus A350 aircraft. It also operates EK650/651 and EK652/653 using Boeing 777 aircraft.
The airline also offers one daily service between Colombo and Dubai via Malé.
The A350 services include Premium Economy cabins. This gives passengers another seating option when travelling on the route.
Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Commercial West Asia & Indian Ocean, said Sri Lanka remains an important market for the airline.
“Last year we introduced our latest aircraft, the Airbus A350, and as a testament to its importance, we introduced a second daily A350 to serve the Dubai-Colombo route as of August,” he said.
He added that the newer aircraft would offer passengers enhanced comfort, choice and connectivity when travelling to and from Sri Lanka.
Dubai connection opens wider travel options
For travellers, the Colombo-Dubai route also provides access to Emirates’ wider network.
The airline flies to almost 140 destinations across six continents. Passengers can use Dubai as a connection point for onward travel to destinations across the network.
The renewed partnership with SLTPB will also support efforts to attract more international visitors to Sri Lanka.
The two organisations will work on joint marketing campaigns, customised excursions, incentives and familiarisation trips.
They will also work with tour operators and travel partners to promote special packages and other offers for visitors.
Middle East remains a target market
SLTPB Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam said the Middle East remains an important market for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
He said the renewed partnership would help improve Sri Lanka’s visibility and accessibility among travellers from the region.
“We look forward to working closely with Emirates to further promote Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offerings and create greater opportunities to attract visitors from the region,” Hewawasam said.
He added that stronger air connectivity and joint destination marketing could help attract more Middle Eastern travellers to the country.
Emirates has served Sri Lanka for 40 years
Emirates began operating flights to Sri Lanka in April 1986.
The airline has since provided both passenger and cargo services between Sri Lanka and its international network.
The renewed tourism partnership builds on an agreement first established in 2022.
Sri Lanka recorded more than 2.3 million international tourist arrivals in 2025, an increase of 15.1% from the previous year.
For travellers, the latest development means continued access to multiple daily Colombo-Dubai services, including A350 flights with Premium Economy and connections to destinations across the Emirates network.
Last modified: September 16, 2026
