Emirates has increased its services to Sri Lanka and the Maldives from Dubai.
The expansion resumes Emirates flights on the Maldives-Colombo route.
Emirates has added four flights to Colombo and five to the Maldives, bringing its total frequency to 18 flights per week to Sri Lanka and 14 flights per week to the Maldives.
EK654 will operate on a circular route, Dubai-Maldives-Colombo-Dubai, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday using an Airbus A330 in a three-class configuration of 12 First, 42 Business and 183 Economy seats.
Emirates will also introduce an additional direct connection between Dubai and Colombo every Friday (EK650), and another two connections between Dubai and Maldives on Wednesday and Friday (EK658).
These services will be operated by a three-class Boeing B777, offering 12 First, 42 Business and 310 Economy Class seats.
The additional services will offer passengers the choice of morning, afternoon and evening departures.
Majid Al Mualla, vice-president of commercial operations for West Asia and Indian Ocean, said: "Business travellers from Sri Lanka can take advantage of the extra flights that seamlessly connect to onward points in North America and Europe via Dubai.
"At the same time, the enhanced capacity offers convenient connections to Sri Lanka's burgeoning expatriate population working in the Middle East and travelling home all year round.”
The move comes as Sri Lanka begins a process of economic and social recovery following a decades-long civil war between the government and the Tamil Tiger movement.
For more details, see www.emirates.com
Kenny Coyle
