The Czech Airlines (CSA) started direct twice-weekly Dubai-Colombo-Dubai services from October 29, Jakub Kolar, the airline's regional director for the GCC, Yemen and Pakistan, said.
As an introductory offer, the airline has announced the Dubai-Colombo-Dubai economy class return fare at Dh1,050 ($285) plus taxes, Kolar said. CSA's one-way fare is Dh650 and baggage allowance from Dubai is 40kg. The airline, which currently operates two Prague-Dubai-Prague turnaround flights a week with A310-300 aircraft, is extending the operation from Dubai to Colombo. The A310 is in two-class configuration with 187 economy and 21 executive class seats. Colombo will become the airline's 64th destination on its network. CSA will become the first European carrier to commence scheduled operations into Sri Lanka since terrorist attacks at its main airport over a year ago resulted in many carriers withdrawing their services. From October 29, the flight OK188 will depart from Dubai on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11.10pm and arrive in Colombo the following day at 5.20am. The return flight OK189 will be operated on Wednesdays and Saturdays, departing from Colombo at 9.15am, arriving Dubai at 11.45am and departing for Prague at 12.45pm. Kolar said the airline would be the third direct carrier, after Emirates and SriLankan airlines, to operate from Dubai to Colombo.