UAE-Sri Lanka travel: Emirates announces second daily A350 flight from Dubai to Colombo
Latest-generation aircraft enhances onboard comfort and connectivity
DUBAI – Emirates is set to strengthen its services between Dubai and Colombo by introducing a second daily Airbus A350 flight from August 8, giving travellers greater access to the airline's newest aircraft and its increasingly popular Premium Economy cabin.
The additional deployment replaces a Boeing 777 currently operating on the route and doubles the number of daily A350 services serving Sri Lanka. The move further reinforces Emirates' investment in the Colombo market, where the airline celebrates 40 years of operations this year.
The expanded schedule means customers travelling between Dubai and Colombo will have more flexibility in choosing flight times while enjoying the latest onboard products available on Emirates' newest aircraft. The airline currently operates four daily flights to Colombo using a mix of Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft.
Dubai-Colombo flights
The additional Airbus A350 will operate on flights EK648 and EK649. Flight EK648 departs Dubai International Airport at 4.10pm daily and arrives at Bandaranaike International Airport at 10.10pm local time. The return service, EK649, leaves Colombo at 2.55am and lands in Dubai at 5.50am local time.
The new deployment complements the existing daily A350 service operating as EK654 and EK655, providing customers with two daily opportunities to travel in Premium Economy. Emirates also continues to operate Boeing 777 services on flights EK650 and EK651, as well as EK652 and EK653, alongside its daily service via Malé.
Premium comfort
The Airbus A350 is the newest aircraft in Emirates' all-widebody fleet and introduces the airline's latest cabin design, combining spacious interiors with advanced technology and enhanced passenger comfort across every class.
A key attraction is the award-winning Premium Economy cabin, which has become one of the airline's most sought-after products. Configured in a 2-3-2 layout, the cabin features cream leather seats with woodgrain finishes inspired by the Business Class experience.
Each seat measures 19.5 inches in width and offers a generous 40-inch pitch, an 8-inch recline and a six-way adjustable headrest designed to improve comfort on longer journeys. Passengers also have access to a 13.3-inch personal entertainment screen, while Emirates' ice entertainment system offers content in multiple languages, including Tamil and Sinhala.
Premium Economy customers receive a welcome drink, seasonal menus, an extensive selection of beverages, an exclusive amenity kit, a sustainably produced blanket and a generously sized pillow. They also benefit from priority boarding, dedicated check-in facilities at Dubai International Airport and a baggage allowance of up to 35kg.
Latest technology
Beyond Premium Economy, the Airbus A350 introduces several of Emirates' newest onboard innovations. The aircraft features ultra-responsive 4K and 4K HDR touchscreens, faster Wi-Fi connectivity and wider aisles throughout the cabin.
Extra-high ceilings and one of the quietest twin-aisle cabins in commercial aviation are designed to create a more comfortable travel environment while improving operational efficiency.
The latest expansion follows the successful introduction of the Airbus A350 on the Colombo route in March 2025, when Emirates first launched its Premium Economy product in Sri Lanka. The addition of a second daily A350 service reflects continued demand for the upgraded onboard experience.
Emirates now offers three non-stop daily services between Dubai and Colombo, alongside one daily flight via Malé. As the airline marks four decades of operations in Colombo, it continues to connect Sri Lanka with nearly 140 destinations across its global network, supporting tourism, business and trade while expanding access to its latest generation of aircraft and onboard products.