Business

Vietjet opens bookings for first-ever direct flights between Sri Lanka and Vietnam

Vietjet opens bookings for first-ever direct flights between Sri Lanka and Vietnam with the launch of ticket sales for its new Colombo–Ho Chi Minh City service, marking a significant milestone in aviation connectivity between the two countries. The inaugural scheduled direct flights will commence on 18 August 2026, creating new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchanges.


Vietjet opens bookings for first-ever direct flights between Sri Lanka and Vietnam


Vietnamese low-cost carrier Vietjet announced that bookings are now open for the new route, which will become the first scheduled direct air service linking Sri Lanka and Vietnam. The airline said the new connection is expected to strengthen bilateral economic ties while making travel more convenient for leisure and business passengers.

To mark the launch, the airline is offering promotional Eco fares starting from USD 90 one-way, inclusive of applicable charges. Passengers purchasing Deluxe and SkyBoss tickets can also receive a 20% discount on base fares, excluding taxes and fees. Tickets are available through Vietjet’s official website, the Vietjet Air mobile application, ticket offices, and authorised travel agents.

The new Colombo–Ho Chi Minh City route will operate three return flights each week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. With an approximate flight duration of five hours, the service provides one of the fastest travel options between Colombo and Vietnam’s commercial capital. Travellers departing from Colombo will also gain convenient access to Vietjet’s expanding Asia-Pacific network, allowing onward connections to numerous regional destinations.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest metropolitan area and financial centre, continues to attract international visitors with its blend of history, commerce, and modern urban development. Visitors can explore attractions including the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Independence Palace, and Nguyen Hue Walking Street while experiencing the city’s internationally recognised culinary scene, shopping districts, and vibrant nightlife.

The introduction of direct flights is also expected to support Sri Lanka Vietnam tourism by making Sri Lanka more accessible to Vietnamese travellers. Tourism industry stakeholders believe improved connectivity will encourage greater visitor arrivals to Sri Lanka’s heritage sites, wildlife parks, beaches, and hill country destinations, while also promoting cultural exchanges between the two nations.

Passengers travelling with Vietjet can enjoy a range of onboard services, including freshly prepared hot meals featuring popular Vietnamese dishes such as pho and banh mi. Customers who pre-order meals can save up to 30%, while members of the airline’s SkyJoy loyalty programme can earn and redeem reward points across more than 250 partner brands covering travel, dining, retail, and lifestyle services.

As Vietnam’s leading new-generation airline, Vietjet continues to expand its international footprint through sustained fleet growth and network development. The carrier currently operates 135 aircraft and has nearly 600 additional aircraft on order, supporting its long-term expansion strategy across Asia-Pacific and other international markets.

The airline is also a full member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and holds the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification. Vietjet has consistently received strong international recognition for safety, operational efficiency, and financial performance, while earning awards from organisations including Skytrax, CAPA, AirlineRatings.com, and Airfinance Journal.

Industry observers note that the launch of the direct Colombo–Ho Chi Minh City service comes at a time when regional air connectivity is becoming increasingly important for supporting tourism recovery, trade, investment, and business travel across Asia. By eliminating the need for transit connections, the new route is expected to reduce travel time while offering greater convenience for both Sri Lankan and Vietnamese travellers.

The launch further reflects growing economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Vietnam, with improved aviation links expected to facilitate stronger business partnerships, tourism growth, and people-to-people exchanges in the years ahead.