SriLankan Airlines will increase its Melbourne-Colombo services to 10 per week.
The airline, which currently flies daily between hubs in Victoria and Sri Lanka, will add additional 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.
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The service will see competition from Jetstar later this year, with the low-cost airline starting three weekly flights to Colombo from August 25.
“Melbourne has a special place in our hearts, not only because it is home to a large number of Sri Lankans, but also because it was the destination that marked a historic milestone in our entry into the Australian market,” said SriLankan Airlines chief commercial officer Dimuthu Tennakoon.
“We have witnessed steady growth in this market and are optimistic that this increase in frequency will pave the way for future expansions.”
Jim Parashos, head of aviation at Melbourne Airport, said connections from Sri Lanka via Colombo will offer passengers more alternatives to travel not only to Sri Lanka but to destinations such as India, the Maldives and Europe.
“Amid the current global uncertainty, it is pleasing to see SriLankan Airlines committing more capacity to Melbourne and increasing international connecting opportunities,” he said.
“SriLankan Airlines has been a long-term partner of Melbourne Airport and we know these flights will make it easier than ever to connect to one of the most vibrant countries in our region.”
Melbourne welcomed 996,677 international travelers in February 2026, up 7.1 per cent from 930,356 in February 2025, while domestic travelers rose 1.6 per cent to 1,827,825.
According to Parashos, international traffic was boosted by increased capacity from China ahead of the Chinese New Year following the entry of Shenzhen Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines.
“Competition in the international market is generating better outcomes for travelers, and more than ever international airlines are offering more options,” he said.
“While increasing year-over-year, domestic travel remains below pre-pandemic levels as budget-conscious travelers take advantage of cheaper international fare deals.”
The news comes as Melbourne prepares for a major expansion of its international terminal, which airport chief executive Lorie Argus says will boost the Victorian economy.
“The average daily international service injects around $190 million into the Victorian economy each year,” he said.
“That’s why last month we confirmed plans for a $4.5 billion expansion of our international terminal along with the construction of our third runway, both of which will increase capacity and help give international travelers and exporters more choice.”
SriLankan began flights to Melbourne in 2017.
