Travel demand for south Asia continues to soar out of Melbourne Airport with SriLankan Airlines announcing it will increase its daily services to ten per week, adding more than 92,000 seats annually.
The additional three services will depart on Monday, Wednesday and Friday using an Airbus A330-300, conveniently touching down in Colombo at lunchtime (12:15pm).
The new flights will provide improved connectivity to Sri Lanka’s increasingly popular tourism destinations but also further afield to India, the Maldives and Europe.
The announcement follows the busiest February on record for international travel at Melbourne Airport, with passenger numbers bolstered by increased capacity from China ahead of Chinese New Year following the entry of Shenzhen Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines.
The 996,677 international travellers eclipsed the previous February record of 930,356 passengers set in February 2025, representing a 7.1 per cent year-on-year increase.
Domestic passenger numbers were up 1.6% on the previous February, with a total of 1,827,825 passengers welcomed through the three domestic terminals.
Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos said SriLankan Airlines’ additional services were a welcome statement of confidence in Victoria.
“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.
“The competition in the international market is driving better outcomes for travellers, with more international carriers than ever delivering more choice for travellers.
“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.”
SriLankan Airlines’ Head of Commercial, Mr. Dimuthu Tennakoon, said there were a number of factors contributing to the airlines’ success in the Melbourne market.
“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,” he said.
“We have witnessed steady growth in this market, and we are optimistic that this increase in frequency will pave the way for future expansions.”
Passenger figures for February 2026:
| Passengers | February 2026 | February 2025 | Growth (%)* |
| International | 996,677 | 930,356 | +7.1% |
| Domestic | 1,827,285 | 1,798,917 | +1.6% |
| Total (excl. transits) | 2,823,962 | 2,729,273 | +3.5% |
*Monthly percentage growth compared to February 2025
Passenger figures for Financial Year to February
| Passengers | Financial Year 2025/26 | Financial Year 2024/25 | Growth (%)* |
| International | 8,529,996 | 8,150,302 | +4.7% |
| Domestic | 16,799,269 | 16,310,911 | +3% |
| Total (excl. transits) | 25,329,265 | 24,461,213 | +3.5% |
*percentage growth compared to FY 2024/25