A pledge of continued support to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry through award-winning air services was one of the highlights of the high-profile formal opening of the Emirates Lounge at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayaka.

Tim Clark, President of Emirates airline opened the facility, the first to be set up at BIA by an international airline. Speaking at the event, Mr. Clark said the investment by Emirates of USD 1.5 million in this premium lounge is a further value addition to the airline’s offering in Colombo, as well as to the facilities at the BIA.

“These developments are of particular relevance to Emirates, which is one of the most active international carriers serving this country,” Mr. Clark said. “We look forward to continuing to play a significant role in the growth of Sri Lanka, a country we have served with award-winning air services for 26 years.”

Designed, equipped and furnished to the exacting specifications developed for Emirates lounges at 28 other major international airports around the world, the 5,778-square-foot Emirates Lounge at the BIA can accommodate up to 118 passengers in comfort. It is for the exclusive use of the airline’s First Class and Business Class passengers and Gold members of Skywards, Emirates’ frequent flyer programme.

Emirates operates flights on a daily schedule from Malta to Dubai via Larnaka, Cyprus. The Malta flight arrives in Dubai at 00.55hrs giving passengers convenient onward connections to East-bound destinations.