Emirates to fly Male-Colombo daily
July 29, 2010 11:07 am
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