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Wednesday, 18 March 2026

SriLankan Airlines Expands Australia Services with 14 Weekly Flights to Melbourne

Travellers between Australia and Sri Lanka will soon enjoy greater flexibility and more convenient travel options as SriLankan Airlines significantly expands its Melbourne services. From 2 August 2026, the national carrier will operate ten weekly flights between Colombo and Melbourne, increasing its total Australian schedule to an impressive 14 weekly services.

The expanded timetable reflects growing passenger demand and highlights Australia's emergence as one of Sri Lanka's fastest-growing inbound tourism markets. The additional flights will benefit holidaymakers, business travellers, international students and the large Sri Lankan community living in Australia.

More Flights Create Greater Travel Freedom

SriLankan Airlines is introducing three additional weekly flights between Colombo and Melbourne, operating every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

The new service, Flight UL608, will depart Colombo at 2:10 pm and arrive in Melbourne at 4:30 am the following day. The return flight, UL609, will leave Melbourne every Wednesday, Friday and Monday at 6:00 am, arriving in Colombo at 12:15 pm on the same day.

These carefully planned schedules have been designed to maximise holiday time in Sri Lanka while also providing smooth onward connections throughout the airline's international network.

Combined with the existing daily Melbourne service, travellers now have considerably more flexibility when planning their journeys.

Convenient Connections Across Asia

One of the major advantages of the expanded schedule is improved connectivity through Colombo, one of South Asia's emerging aviation hubs.

Passengers travelling from Melbourne can connect conveniently to destinations across India, the Maldives, Southeast Asia and the Middle East using SriLankan Airlines' extensive route network.

Likewise, travellers from India can enjoy seamless onward connections through Colombo to Melbourne, creating an efficient alternative for those travelling between the Indian subcontinent and Australia.

The additional services strengthen Colombo's position as a strategic gateway linking Australia with Asia.

A Welcome Boost for Tourism

Melbourne

Australia continues to be an increasingly important visitor market for Sri Lanka.

Australian travellers are discovering the island's remarkable diversity, from golden beaches and lush tea plantations to ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites, wildlife safaris and vibrant cultural festivals.

The increased flight frequencies make it easier for Australians to experience Sri Lanka's unique blend of adventure, relaxation and heritage while supporting the country's growing tourism industry.

The additional capacity also provides tourism operators greater opportunities to market Sri Lanka as an accessible year-round destination.

Supporting Families and Students

The expanded services will particularly benefit the large Sri Lankan diaspora living throughout Australia.

More frequent flights provide greater flexibility for families wishing to visit relatives, attend important celebrations or return home during holiday periods.

Sri Lankan students studying at Australian universities will also enjoy improved travel options. The expanded schedule aligns more closely with university semesters and holiday breaks, making travel between Australia and Sri Lanka more convenient throughout the academic year.

Greater flight choice means travellers can better match departure dates with personal schedules, reducing travel stress while improving accessibility.

Daily Services Continue Alongside New Flights

In addition to the three new weekly services, SriLankan Airlines will continue operating its existing daily Melbourne route.

Flight UL604 departs Colombo at 12:20 am and arrives in Melbourne at 2:40 pm, while the return service UL605 departs Melbourne at 4:10 pm and arrives in Colombo at 10:25 pm.

Together with the new schedule, these services provide ten weekly flights between Colombo and Melbourne, offering travellers exceptional flexibility whether travelling for business, leisure or family visits.

Strengthening Australia and Sri Lanka's Aviation Partnership

Colombo

The increased services demonstrate SriLankan Airlines' long-term commitment to the Australian market and reflect growing confidence in travel demand between the two countries.

By expanding capacity, improving schedules and enhancing international connectivity, the airline continues to position itself as one of the leading carriers linking Australia with South Asia.

For Australian travellers seeking an unforgettable holiday in Sri Lanka, and for Sri Lankans travelling home or connecting onward to destinations across Asia, the expanded flight schedule delivers greater convenience, more travel choices and easier access than ever before.

SriLankan Airlines

Website: https://www.srilankan.com
Melbourne Airport Website: https://www.melbourneairport.com.au
Bandaranaike International Airport Website: https://airport.lk

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