Emirates Expands Premium Economy Services to the Maldives and Sri Lanka

Emma Hodgson   |   10-07-2025

Emirates has announced the expansion of its Premium Economy service on key South Asian routes, with upgraded Boeing 777 aircraft now operating on selected flights to the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
From this month, Emirates is offering Premium Economy on flights EK656/657 and EK660/661 between Dubai and Malé. These services are operated by the airline’s retrofitted Boeing 777, which features refreshed interiors and four cabin classes, including the sought-after Premium Economy cabin.
In addition, Emirates will deploy the same retrofitted Boeing 777 on flights EK650/651 between Dubai and Colombo starting 18 July. This will make it the second daily service to Sri Lanka to offer Premium Economy, complementing the existing A350-operated route.
The introduction of Premium Economy on these routes is part of Emirates’ broader strategy to enhance the travel experience across its network. Currently, over 40 destinations are served with Premium Economy, allowing travellers planning trips to the Maldives or Sri Lanka from eligible cities to enjoy a consistent elevated experience throughout their journey.
Flight schedules for the affected routes are as follows:
•EK656 departs Dubai at 02:30 and arrives in Malé at 07:40. The return EK657 leaves Malé at 09:15 and arrives in Dubai at 12:15.
•EK660 departs Dubai at 10:10 and arrives in Malé at 15:30. EK661 returns from Malé at 18:25 and lands in Dubai at 21:25.
•EK650 departs Dubai for Colombo at 02:40, arriving at 08:35. The return EK651 leaves Colombo at 10:05 and arrives in Dubai at 12:55. All times are local.
The retrofitted Boeing 777 features 8 First Class suites, 40 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 layout, 24 Premium Economy seats arranged in 2-4-2, and 256 Economy seats. Premium Economy offers passengers 6-way adjustable headrests, increased legroom, 35kg of checked baggage and 10kg of carry-on allowance.
Business Class seats on the Boeing 777 are inspired by Emirates’ A380 design, offering soft cream leather finishes, champagne accents, and wood panelling. Each seat reclines into a 78.6-inch flatbed and includes a 23-inch HD screen.

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