Gulf Giants Back Sri Lanka: Emirates and Qatar Airways Sign Tourism MoUs at ATM 2026

The agreements come as the island builds on a strong 2025. International arrivals exceeded 2.3 million, a 15.1% increase over the previous year’s figure of just over two million.

The renewed Emirates MoU extends a partnership first formalised in 2022. It was signed by Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial West Asia & Indian Ocean, and Chamila Jayarathna, Deputy Managing Director of SLTPB. The signing was witnessed by H.E. Arusha Cooray, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the UAE, Consul General Alexi Gunasekera, and Madusha Perera, SLTPB Deputy Director – Marketing.

The two partners will continue their joint work in key feeder markets including Russia, the UK, Germany, Australia and the US. That work includes marketing campaigns, familiarisation trips, incentives and special packages.

“Sri Lanka is among the longest-standing destinations in our network, which we have served for over 40 years now,” said Ahmad.

Emirates began flying to Colombo in April 1986. It now operates three non-stop daily Dubai–Colombo flights plus a daily service via Malé. Since August, two of these daily services have been operated by the Airbus A350 with Premium Economy cabins.

The new Qatar Airways partnership will see the airline and SLTPB work closely together to promote Sri Lanka as a diverse and attractive destination. Through Qatar Airways’ extensive international network, the agreement will extend the global reach of Sri Lanka Tourism. It also marks an important step towards stronger air connectivity and new international market opportunities.

With two of the world’s most connected airlines now championing the destination, Sri Lanka is well positioned to sustain its growth and welcome travellers from every corner of the globe.