Emirates Marks 40 Years in Colombo
Emirates Celebrates Four Decades of Colombo Connectivity
Emirates has completed 40 years of operations in Colombo, marking four decades of connecting Sri Lanka with Dubai and destinations across its international network.
Since launching services to Colombo in April 1986, the airline has carried more than 15 million passengers on over 97,000 flights to and from Sri Lanka. Over the past two decades, Emirates has also transported more than 403,000 tonnes of cargo, supporting trade between Sri Lanka and global markets.
Today, Emirates operates three daily flights between Colombo and Dubai, providing travellers with access to more than 135 destinations worldwide.
Strengthening Sri Lanka’s Global Connectivity
The airline continues to play an important role in supporting tourism, business travel and trade links between Sri Lanka and key international markets.
In the past year, Emirates has connected Colombo with major destinations across Europe, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Through its Dubai hub, the airline also provides access to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and beyond.
The Dubai–Colombo market has experienced steady growth since 2022, reflecting increasing demand for travel between the two destinations.
Fleet and Onboard Experience
Passengers travelling on Emirates’ Colombo route can experience service on the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350.
Both aircraft offer four cabin classes, including Premium Economy.
| Aircraft Type | Cabin Classes |
|---|---|
| Boeing 777 | Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First |
| Airbus A350 | Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First |
The airline has also introduced Premium Economy on selected Colombo services, providing travellers with an additional cabin option.
Partnership with SriLankan Airlines
In 2023, Emirates expanded its partnership with SriLankan Airlines through an interline agreement covering 30 routes.
The collaboration offers passengers greater connectivity across destinations in South Asia, the Far East, Africa and the Middle East, while enabling seamless travel on single-ticket itineraries.
Supporting Trade Through Cargo Operations
Cargo remains an important part of Emirates’ operations in Sri Lanka.
The airline provides up to 20 tonnes of cargo capacity in the belly hold of aircraft operating between Colombo and Dubai.
Key cargo exports from Sri Lanka include:
| Major Exports |
| Apparel |
| Ceylon Tea |
Key imports include:
| Major Imports |
| Textiles |
| Machinery |
| Sugar |
| Metals for Manufacturing |
Four Decades of Service
Over the past 40 years, Emirates has expanded its operations in Sri Lanka while supporting passenger travel, tourism development and international trade.
The airline’s continued investment in aircraft upgrades, network connectivity and partnerships reflects its long-standing commitment to the Sri Lankan market.
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