Emirates will deploy a second daily Airbus A350 service on the Dubai–Colombo route from August 8, replacing the existing Boeing 777 on flight EK648/649 and significantly expanding the availability of its Premium Economy product for travellers to and from Sri Lanka.

The move will double the number of Premium Economy seats offered on the route and reflects the airline's continued investment in the Sri Lankan market. Emirates currently operates four daily services to Colombo using a combination of Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft.

The new A350 service will depart Dubai at 4.10 p.m. and arrive in Colombo at 10.10 p.m., while the return flight will leave Colombo at 2.55 a.m. and reach Dubai at 5.50 a.m. (local times).

The latest-generation Airbus A350 features wider cabins, faster Wi-Fi, advanced 4K inflight entertainment systems, wider aisles and enhanced passenger comfort across all cabin classes.

A key highlight is Emirates' award-winning Premium Economy cabin, configured in a 2-3-2 layout with wider leather seats, increased legroom, greater recline and enhanced onboard amenities. Premium Economy passengers also benefit from priority boarding, dedicated check-in facilities at Dubai International Airport and a baggage allowance of up to 35 kg.

The additional A350 deployment follows the successful introduction of the aircraft on the Colombo route in March 2025, when Emirates launched its Premium Economy service in Sri Lanka.

Emirates operates three daily non-stop flights between Colombo and Dubai, in addition to one daily service via Male. The airline, which marks 40 years of operations in Sri Lanka this year, connects Colombo with nearly 140 destinations worldwide, supporting both tourism and trade through its global network.