SriLankan Airlines launches daily non-stop service from Melbourne to Sri Lanka

SriLankan Airlines has announced it will operate a non-stop service out of Melbourne Airport from 29 October 2017.

The new route will carry passengers between Melbourne and Colombo on an A330-300 aircraft.

SriLankan Airlines will operate daily flights from Melbourne, with capacity to hold approximately 283 passengers each trip.

Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Simon Gandy said the announcement opens up a new destination for Victorian travellers.

“Thanks to SriLankan Airlines we can connect Victorians directly to Sri Lanka’s largest city in just over 10 hours,” Mr Gandy said.

“Colombo is a vibrant and busy city, with a mixture of modern and colonial buildings and ruins, and we are thrilled to enable holidaymakers to explore the area in such an easy and convenient way.

“The new route will allow more Sri Lankans to visit family and friends living in Victoria, which is another bonus. According to 2011 census data, Victoria is home to 50 per cent of Australia’s Sri Lankan population and we are pleased to host a regular service to connect people globally.

“The flights will also benefit Indian travellers, offering a wider selection of flights when visiting the world’s most liveable city. Given India’s, and Sri Lanka’s obsession with cricket, the service is sure to be a popular one when the Australian cricket season fires up over summer.

“This is another example of Melbourne Airport working as part of Team Victoria to secure the right airlines, and viable routes and services that add value.”