iscover
SriLankan Airlines is set to increase its Melbourne–Colombo services to 10 per week.
The carrier, which currently flies daily between the Victorian and Sri Lankan hubs, will add extra A330-300 flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, increasing seats by more than 92,000 per year. It comes as Melbourne marks its busiest February on record for international travel.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
The service will see competition from Jetstar later this year, with the low-cost carrier to begin three weekly flights to Colombo starting 25 August.
“Melbourne has a special place in our hearts, not only because it is home to a large number of fellow Sri Lankans, but also because it was the destination that marked a historic milestone in our entry into the Australian market,” said SriLankan Airlines’ head of commercial, Dimuthu Tennakoon.
“We have witnessed steady growth in this market, and we are optimistic that this increase in frequency will pave the way for future expansions.”
Jim Parashos, Melbourne Airport’s chief of aviation, said SriLankan’s connections through Colombo will offer passengers more travel options not just to Sri Lanka but also to destinations such as India, the Maldives, and Europe.
“Amidst the current global uncertainty, it is pleasing to see SriLankan Airlines committing more capacity to Melbourne and increasing the opportunities for international connection,” he said.
“SriLankan Airlines has been a long-term partner of Melbourne Airport and we know these flights will make it easier than ever before to connect with one of our region’s most vibrant countries.”
Melbourne saw 996,677 international travellers in February 2026, up 7.1 per cent from 930,356 in February 2025, while domestic travellers climbed 1.6 per cent to 1,827,825.
According to Parashos, international traffic was bolstered by increased capacity from China ahead of Chinese New Year following the entry of Shenzhen Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines.
“The competition in the international market is driving better outcomes for travellers, with more international carriers than ever delivering more choice,” he said.
“While increasing year-on year, domestic travel continues to track below pre-covid levels as budget conscious travellers take advantage of cheaper international fare offerings.”
The news comes as Melbourne prepares for a major expansion to its international terminal, which airport CEO Lorie Argus said will bolster the Victorian economy.
“The average daily international service injects around $190 million into the Victorian economy each year,” she said.
“That’s why last month we confirmed plans for a $4.5 billion expansion of our international terminal alongside the construction of our third runway, both of which will increase capacity and help provide international travellers and exporters with greater choice.”
SriLankan began flights to Melbourne in 2017.
Want to see more stories from trusted news sources?
Make Australian Aviation a preferred news source on Google.
Click here to add Australian Aviation as a preferred news source.
