SriLankan to increase Melbourne flights to 10 per week

Thursday, 12 March 2026 05:37 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SriLankan Airlines plans to expand its operations to Australia by increasing the frequency of flights between Colombo and Melbourne from August, citing rising passenger demand and changing market dynamics.

In a statement, the national carrier said it will raise its weekly services on the route to 10 flights from 2 August with the introduction of three additional scheduled flights.

The airline said the expansion reflects efforts to strengthen its presence in the Australian market, which it identified as one of the fastest-growing sources of inbound tourism to Sri Lanka, supported by leisure travel and visits by friends and relatives.

The additional services will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Flights will depart Colombo at 14:10 and arrive in Melbourne at 04:30 the following day. Return services will leave Melbourne at 06:00 and reach Colombo at 12:15.

SriLankan Airlines said the revised timetable is intended to allow leisure travellers to spend more time in Sri Lanka while also improving onward connections through Colombo, particularly for passengers travelling to India.

The airline added that the higher frequency will also offer greater travel flexibility for the Sri Lankan diaspora in Australia seeking to maintain closer links with family and friends at home.