Emirates and Etihad to resume outbound flights from Sri Lanka

The airlines will fly from Colombo via Dubai and Abu Dhabi to several destinations from Saturday, June 20

Emirates and Etihad will operate outbound flights from Sri Lanka via Dubai and Abu Dhabi to several destinations across Asia, Europe and the Americas. Unsplash

Emirates and Etihad will resume outbound flights from Sri Lanka on Saturday, June 20.

The UAE airlines will fly from Colombo to several cities around the world, with Sri Lanka the latest destination to be added to transfer services operated by Emirates and Etihad.

The outbound flights are designed for people to transit in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with passengers required to have onward travel booked. However, UAE nationals or residents with approval to return can also book these flights to come home.

Emirates will fly from Colombo via Dubai with connections available to several cities across Europe, Asia, Australasia and the Americas. These include London, Paris, New York, Brisbane and Bahrain. Travellers must make sure they meet the conditions of their destination country before booking flights.

From Abu Dhabi, Etihad will operate twice-weekly services connecting passengers to the UAE. Travellers can connect to Barcelona, Zurich, Dublin, Frankfurt, Geneva, London, Madrid, Milan or Paris.

Both airlines require travellers to wear face masks for the duration of every flight.

Food and beverage services have been reduced on Emirates and Etihad flights to cut down on interaction between passengers and crew to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Sri Lanka revealed last week that it will reopen to tourists from Saturday, August 1. Authorities announced detailed guidelines regarding coronavirus testing, social distancing and hygiene standards at hotels, resorts and tourist attractions.

All travellers will be subject to coronavirus tests at the airport, and must stay in the country for at least five nights.

On the same day, Etihad has announced that it will restart flights to Greece. The airline will fly twice-weekly from Abu Dhabi to Athens.

The addition of Athens increases the total number of international flights being flown by Etihad throughout June to 25 destinations.