SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the Oneworld alliance, will be establishing its presence in Australia with daily non-stop services to Melbourne from Oct. 29.
Australia is home to one of the largest Sri Lankan expatriate communities, many of whom reside in and around Melbourne, the capital of Australia’s “Garden State,” Victoria. This factor, together with the tremendous potential for business travel and Victoria’s growing student population convinced the airline to launch the non-stop daily services to Melbourne.
The services will also facilitate passengers from the Middle East and South Asia seeking onward connectivity via Colombo to/from Australia.
Capt. Suren Ratwatte, chief executive of SriLankan Airlines, said: “Our presence in Australia cements the long-standing relationship between our two countries. We recently celebrated the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our nations, and the addition of Melbourne signifies our strategy of optimizing the airline’s network in line with our restructuring. This also means that we have connected another continent to our global route map.”
He added: “Given the number of Sri Lankans residing in and around Victoria, we fulfil a long felt need for a direct service. We are proud to welcome all the diverse residents of Victoria who can now enjoy the direct connections when visiting their friends and families throughout our network.”
The airline will be operating Airbus 330-200 aircraft on the route, offering its passengers modern in-flight comforts complemented with its award-winning service.
Siva Ramachandran, chief commercial officer, SriLankan Airlines, said, “Despite the absence of direct connections, we have witnessed a steady increase in passengers traveling between Colombo and Melbourne via various Asian connecting points such as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Our direct services will give us a definite advantage as SriLankan is the only carrier that is able to offer connectivity of this nature at this time. We also offer seamless onward connections beyond Colombo to a range of destinations in the Indian subcontinent and Middle East. With the launch of the new services, SriLankan Airlines’ passengers will also have the choice of flying to other Australian cities such as Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide as well as Auckland, New Zealand.”
SriLankan Airlines to commence daily direct flights to Melbourne
SriLankan Airlines to commence daily direct flights to Melbourne
Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action
The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action.
From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season.
Key sporting events taking place during DSF:
Dubai Racing Carnival
- Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13.
- Location: Meydan Racecourse
The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys.
More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday
Silver Cup
- Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24
- Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club
Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4
- Date: Jan. 4
- Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track
The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4
Hood to Coast Dubai 2026
- Date: Jan. 10
- Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast
Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k)
- Date: Jan. 10
- Location: Meydan
Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run
Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026
- Date: Jan. 11
- Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon
A citywide sporting season
With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.
