Emirates resumes normal services to Colombo

Dubai, UAE
The number of flights had been reduced due to the hugely increased insurance rates levied on each aircraft landing at the capital's Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) following 24th July.

The new Emirates Winter 2001 schedule shows flights to Colombo back almost to full strength with 10 weekly services, and the return of Boeing 777 flights on the Dubai - Colombo - Singapore - Jakarta route.

Emirates' 11th weekly service is expected to resume on 15th November, completing the return to normal operations.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Emirates' Commercial Operations Director, said: "We are very pleased to reaffirm our commitment to serving the people of Sri Lanka and to show our support for the business and leisure community in their operations.

"We were compelled to scale down operations following the high insurance premiums that were imposed after the airport attack. These surcharges were removed recently, enabling Emirates to resume normal operations."

From 28th October, Emirates will operate 10 flights from Dubai to Colombo, six of which will be routed via Malé, and four flights to Singapore and Jakarta using B777 aircraft.