New route opens a seamless gateway between Sri Lanka and Vietnam and to destinations far beyond  

Vietnam’s dynamic new-age carrier VietJet is set to connect Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City with direct flights commencing 18 August, marking a significant milestone in air connectivity between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.  

The route will operate three times weekly — on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays — catering to both leisure and business travellers and establishing the first direct air link between the two countries. 

For Sri Lankan travellers, the new service offers far more than a single destination. Ho Chi Minh City serves as VietJet’s bustling hub, opening onward connections to Hanoi and points throughout Vietnam, as well as North East Asia, South East Asia, Australia and beyond. For Vietnamese and international travellers, the route brings Sri Lanka — with its beaches, heritage and celebrated hospitality — closer than ever before.  

Built on a foundation of operational efficiency, a diversified offering and a mission to make travel accessible to more people with flexibility, Vietjet today operates a modern fleet of 140 aircraft and approximately 500 flights per day, spanning an extensive domestic network and international services to 17 countries and territories through its hub in Vietnam.  

Partnership at the Heart of the Launch  

Introducing the airline to Sri Lanka’s travel trade at a seminar in Colombo, VietJet emphasised that lasting success on the route will be built hand in hand with local partners.  

“Airlines alone can’t do it. We need our partners who understand the local customers. Your support is essential to making this a sustainable market route,” the airline told the gathering of travel agents.  

The seminar went beyond a route introduction, opening a dialogue on long-term cooperation. VietJet invited the trade to jointly develop packages attractive in both directions, and to actively promote the route to business, leisure and family travellers. In return, the airline pledged comprehensive product information, training, commercial support and market development insights. 

With both countries offering the diverse, authentic experiences today’s travellers seek, the cross-promotional opportunities between Sri Lanka and Vietnam are seen as virtually endless — from culinary and cultural trails to wellness, beach and adventure tourism. 

“We see long-term potential, and we believe Ho Chi Minh City–Colombo is the first step in our journey together,” the airline noted. 

A High-Profile Seminar  

The trade presentation was followed by a meet-and-greet, with the event graced by the Hon. Minister of Tourism Vijitha Herath and Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe — a strong signal of the importance both nations place on this new bridge between South and Southeast Asia.