Dubai to Colombo
4h 30m The flight from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB) covers 3,287 km (2,043 miles) and takes approximately 4h 30m gate to gate for a typical jet.
The route heads south-east on an initial great-circle bearing of 123°, passing near 16.6° N, 68.2° E at its midpoint.
The route
The great-circle path — the shortest line between the two airports across the curve of the earth. On a flat map it looks bent; on a globe it is straight.
Flight time at different cruise speeds
Aircraft type, winds and routing all move the real number. This is the same distance flown at different speeds, plus the 25-minute ground and climb allowance.
| Typical of | Cruise speed | Airborne | Gate to gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop / regional | 550 km/h | 5h 59m | 6h 24m |
| Narrowbody jet (A320, 737) | 780 km/h | 4h 13m | 4h 38m |
| Widebody jet (777, 787, A350) | 900 km/h | 3h 39m | 4h 04m |
| Private jet (Gulfstream) | 850 km/h | 3h 52m | 4h 17m |
Headwinds on an eastbound long-haul routinely add 30–60 minutes; the same route westbound can be quicker. Airlines publish schedules with padding built in.
Both airports
| DXB | CMB | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Dubai International Airport | Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport |
| City | Dubai | Colombo |
| Country | United Arab Emirates | Sri Lanka |
| ICAO | OMDB | VCBI |
| Coordinates | 25.2498, 55.371 | 7.1808, 79.8841 |
| Elevation | 62 ft | 30 ft |
Questions
How long is the flight from Dubai to Colombo?
A non-stop flight from Dubai (DXB) to Colombo (CMB) takes about 4h 30m. The great-circle distance is 3,287 km (2,043 miles, 1,775 nautical miles), flying south-east on an initial bearing of 123°.
How far is Dubai from Colombo?
3,287 kilometres in a straight line over the earth's surface — 2,043 miles or 1,775 nautical miles. Actual flown distance is usually 2–5% longer because aircraft follow airways, avoid weather and route around restricted airspace.
Is there a non-stop flight between DXB and CMB?
This page calculates the direct-line time and distance; it does not track airline schedules. At 3,287 km the route is comfortably within range of a non-stop service if an airline chooses to fly it. Check an airline or booking site for what is actually scheduled.
Airport coordinates from OurAirports (public domain). Distance is a great-circle calculation; flight time uses the model described on the method page. Flight times are great-circle estimates for planning only — always check the airline's published schedule.