SriLankan Airways is ready to extend its Melbourne-Colombo providers to 10 per week.
The service, which at present flies day by day between the Victorian and Sri Lankan hubs, will add further A330-300 flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, rising seats by greater than 92,000 per 12 months. It comes as Melbourne marks its busiest February on report for worldwide journey.
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The service will see competitors from Jetstar later this 12 months, with the low-cost service to start three weekly flights to Colombo beginning 25 August.
“Melbourne has a particular place in our hearts, not solely as a result of it’s residence to a lot of fellow Sri Lankans, but in addition as a result of it was the vacation spot that marked a historic milestone in our entry into the Australian market,” stated SriLankan Airways’ head of economic, Dimuthu Tennakoon.
“Now we have witnessed regular development on this market, and we’re optimistic that this enhance in frequency will pave the best way for future expansions.”
Jim Parashos, Melbourne Airport’s chief of aviation, stated SriLankan’s connections by Colombo will supply passengers extra alternate options to journey not simply to Sri Lanka however to locations resembling India, the Maldives, and Europe.
“Amidst the present world uncertainty, it’s pleasing to see SriLankan Airways committing extra capability to Melbourne and rising the alternatives for worldwide connection,” he stated.
“SriLankan Airways has been a long-term associate of Melbourne Airport and we all know these flights will make it simpler than ever earlier than to attach with one in every of our area’s most vibrant international locations.”
Melbourne noticed 996,677 worldwide travellers in February 2026, up 7.1 per cent from 930,356 in February 2025, whereas home climbed 1.6 per cent to 1,827,825.
In response to Parashos, worldwide visitors was bolstered by elevated capability from China forward of Chinese language New Yr following the entry of Shenzhen Airways and Hong Kong Airways.
“The competitors within the worldwide market is driving higher outcomes for travellers, with extra worldwide carriers than ever delivering extra alternative,” he stated.
“Whereas rising year-on 12 months, home journey continues to trace beneath pre-covid ranges as price range aware travellers make the most of cheaper worldwide fare choices.”
The information comes as Melbourne prepares for a significant enlargement to its worldwide terminal, which airport CEO Lorie Argus stated will bolster the Victorian financial system.
“The typical day by day worldwide service injects round $190 million into the Victorian financial system every year,” she stated.
“That’s why we final month we confirmed plans for a $4.5 billion enlargement of our worldwide terminal alongside building our third runway, each of which is able to enhance capability and assist present worldwide travellers and exporters with larger alternative.”
SriLankan started flights to Melbourne in 2017.
