Airlines Flying to Colombo from the UAE
| Airline | From | Terminal | Type | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | Dubai (DXB) | DXB-T3 | Nonstop | Multiple Daily |
| SriLankan Airlines | Dubai (DXB) | DXB-T1 | Nonstop | Daily |
| flydubai | Dubai (DXB) | DXB-T2 | Nonstop | Daily |
| Air Arabia | Sharjah (SHJ) | SHJ | Nonstop | Daily |
| Etihad Airways | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | AUH-A | Nonstop | Daily |
When to Fly
Demand on the Dubai to Colombo route peaks around December, Sinhala/Tamil New Year (Apr), Eid. Mixed VFR + tourism; April new year is the distinctive spike.
As a general pattern, booking a few weeks ahead and flying midweek tends to cost less than last-minute weekend travel. Exact prices change daily, so use the live search above to compare dates.
Visa & Entry
Most travellers need an e-visa or entry permit for Sri Lanka. Requirements differ by nationality and by UAE residency status, so always confirm on the official immigration or e-visa portal of Sri Lanka before booking.
Stay Connected in Sri Lanka
Skip roaming charges. Install an eSIM for Sri Lanka before you fly and land with data already working. Plans start from a few dollars and activate in minutes.
Get a Sri Lanka eSIM →Things to Do in Colombo
Book tours, attractions and experiences in Colombo in advance to skip the queues. Tickets are often cheaper online than at the gate.
Browse Colombo Experiences →Car Hire in Colombo
Exploring Sri Lanka beyond the city? Compare local car rental suppliers, often cheaper than the big international chains, with pickup at the airport.
Compare Car Hire →Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Dubai to Colombo?
A nonstop flight takes approximately 4h 30m. Flights with a stop take longer, depending on the connection.
Which airlines fly direct to Colombo from the UAE?
Direct flights are operated by Emirates, SriLankan Airlines, flydubai, Air Arabia, Etihad Airways. Schedules change seasonally, so use the live search above to see current options.
Which UAE airports have flights to Colombo?
You can fly to Colombo from Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi. Comparing all departure airports often reveals cheaper fares, especially between Dubai and Sharjah.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Colombo?
Fares are usually highest around December, Sinhala/Tamil New Year (Apr), Eid. Outside those periods prices are generally lower, and midweek departures tend to be cheaper than weekends. Prices change constantly, so compare live dates in the search above.
Do I need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka?
Most travellers need an e-visa or entry permit for Sri Lanka. Requirements differ by nationality and by UAE residency status, so always confirm on the official immigration or e-visa portal of Sri Lanka before booking.