Vietnam Airlines is launching direct flights to Sri Lanka, connecting Colombo with Ho Chi Minh City starting August 2026. This move is set to strengthen business ties, boost tourism, and fulfill long-standing travel demands.
Sri Lanka welcomes Vietnam Airlines’ new Colombo-Ho Chi Minh route from August 2026
Vietnam Airlines has announced plans to operate direct flights between Sri Lanka and Vietnam starting August 2026, linking Colombo with Ho Chi Minh City. The airline will operate three flights weekly, providing a seamless connection for both business travelers and tourists. This development marks a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity between the two nations and addressing a long-standing demand from the Sri Lankan travel and business community.
The announcement was made by Nguyen Trung Hieu, General Manager for India at Vietnam Airlines, during a Vietnam-Sri Lanka business forum held at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Hieu emphasized that these flights aim to strengthen bilateral trade, tourism, and people-to-people connections, while also making travel between the two countries more convenient.
Sri Lanka’s Hayleys Group will serve as the General Sales Agent for the new route, facilitating ticketing, promotions, and customer support for travelers. For the Sri Lankan business community, direct flights to Vietnam have been a long-awaited initiative, offering easier access to Southeast Asian markets and enabling smoother commercial interactions.
The announcement comes in the backdrop of diplomatic and trade engagements, including a visit by Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Phan Thi Thang, to Sri Lanka. Vietnam Airlines was part of the official delegation, underscoring the airline’s role in enhancing economic and cultural ties. The Colombo-Ho Chi Minh City route is expected to encourage stronger collaboration in trade, tourism, and investment sectors, benefiting both nations.
With the launch of direct flights, travel agencies anticipate an increase in outbound tourism to Vietnam, particularly for leisure, business, and educational purposes. Additionally, the route is likely to attract Vietnamese tourists and investors to Sri Lanka, further boosting the local tourism economy and bilateral trade opportunities.
Vietnam Airlines’ move also reflects broader trends in regional connectivity, where Southeast Asian airlines are expanding services to South Asia to capitalize on growing business and tourism demand. For Sri Lanka, direct air connectivity to Vietnam aligns with national strategies to diversify tourism markets and strengthen economic partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region.
Travelers can expect modern aircraft equipped with full-service amenities, competitive fares, and convenient flight schedules, making it easier for business professionals, tourists, and students to travel efficiently between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City. The airline’s entry into this market is expected to foster healthy competition, improving travel options for passengers.
In summary, Vietnam Airlines’ direct flights from Colombo to Ho Chi Minh City starting August 2026 represent a strategic step in connecting Sri Lanka to Southeast Asia. By addressing a long-standing demand of the business and travel community, the initiative is poised to boost tourism, trade, and bilateral engagement, marking a new chapter in Sri Lanka-Vietnam relations.