Etihad gives five to Colombo

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, launched its first route outside the Middle East to Colombo, which commenced services on March 3, 2004. Colombo was the fourth destination for the Abu Dhabi-based airline, and initially operated three flights a week to the Sri Lankan capital. The fourth frequency into Colombo was launched on 17 April 2005.

Starting from June 7, 2005 Etihad Airways will increase its frequency of flights to Colombo and Asia in general. The airline will now fly five times a week to Colombo.

Chairman of Etihad, Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan, said, "Colombo was chosen as a destination because of high demand for service from Abu Dhabi. In addition, analysts are expecting double-digit growth in traffic to Asia this year, with the sub-continent having experienced less of a dip last year than other parts of Asia."