Dubai-based airline Emirates is set to launch daily scheduled flights between the Maldives and Sri Lanka from August 1, increasing its services from Colombo to Male from four to five flights a week.

The airline’s Senior Vice President Commercial Operations West Asia & Indian Ocean, Majid Al Mualla, said the upgrade was made because of the revival of tourism and associated economies in the region.

“There is increasing demand for seats on the Male-Colombo sector, and Emirates is happy to be in a position to respond quickly to the emerging demand,” he said.

“The additional frequencies to and from Colombo will be welcomed by Maldivians and expatriates alike, as will the convenient departure times from the two cities.

According to the new schedule, Emirates flights EK652 and EK 654 will depart Male at 16:30 and arrive in Colombo at 18:30. On Wednesdays and Fridays, EK654 will continue on to Dubai from Colombo.

The return flight EK653 - operating on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday - will depart Colombo at 21:35 and arrive in Malé at 22:35.

These flights will be served by Emirates’ Airbus A330-200 aircraft in a three-class configuration, with 12 seats in First Class, 42 seats in Business Class and 183 seats in Economy Class.

The revised schedule makes Emirates one of the most active international carriers servicing the country, along with Sri Lankan Airlines.

The airline has served the Maldives since April 1987, and also operates 14 flights a week from Male to Dubai, connecting the Maldives to the rest of the world through the international air transit hub.

HNS