New UAE ‘budget’ flights to Colombo

By Tharindri Rupesinghe

Despite some airlines expressing worries about the security situation in the country, a budget airline from the United Arab Emirates sees Colombo as a lucrative market. RAK Airlines, the fourth largest carrier of the UAE, started flights to Sri Lanka in November.

It offers flights to Gulf areas including Dubai and Sharjah at Rs. 12,000 plus Rs. 1500 taxes one way, and Rs, 24,000 for return tickets. The ‘Friday special’ offers a one way flight at Rs. 10,200 plus taxes. Flights are also available to Bangladesh.

Airline officials say that so far, coming to Sri Lanka has been a profitable move for them. A large number of housemaids travelling between home and the Middle Eastern countries are their major customers. While they do not offer Business Class accommodation, they have the Economy class as well as a premium Economy class. They also offer 50 kg of free luggage to economy class passengers, 30 kg more than the usual weight.