Emirates will introduce a second daily Airbus A350 service between Dubai and Colombo from August 8, replacing the Boeing 777 currently operating flight EK648/649 and expanding Premium Economy capacity on the route.
Flight upgrade
The additional A350 service will double the number of daily Emirates flights offering Premium Economy between Dubai and Colombo. The airline currently operates four daily services to the Sri Lankan capital using a mix of Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft.
Flight EK648 departs Dubai International Airport at 4.10pm and arrives at Bandaranaike International Airport at 10.10pm. The return flight, EK649, leaves Colombo at 2.55am and lands in Dubai at 5.50am. All timings are local.
Premium Economy
With the aircraft change, Emirates will operate two daily A350 flights on the route, including EK654/655, giving travellers more options to book Premium Economy.
The airline’s A350 features Premium Economy in a 2-3-2 seating layout with wider seats, additional legroom, larger entertainment screens and upgraded onboard amenities. Passengers also receive priority boarding, a dedicated check-in area at Dubai International Airport and a baggage allowance of up to 35kg.
The aircraft also includes updated cabin technology, faster Wi-Fi, wider aisles and enhanced entertainment options in several languages, including Tamil and Sinhala.
Colombo network
The second daily A350 service follows the introduction of the aircraft on the Colombo route in March 2025, when Emirates launched its Premium Economy cabin in Sri Lanka.
Emirates operates three daily non-stop flights between Dubai and Colombo, along with one daily service via Malé. Flights EK648/649 and EK654/655 are operated by the Airbus A350, while EK650/651 and EK652/653 continue to use the Boeing 777.
The airline is marking 40 years of operations to Colombo this year and connects the Sri Lankan city with nearly 140 destinations through its global network.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
