COLOMBO : — A new chapter in air connectivity between Vietnam and Sri Lanka began on Tuesday evening, August 18, as Vietjet Air’s first direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, marking another significant milestone in the growing ties between the two countries.
The inaugural flight was welcomed at a ceremony attended by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy, Anura Karunathilake; Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam; Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Vietnam Poshitha Perera; representatives of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, Bandaranaike International Airport, Andrew The Aviation, Vietjet Air’s General Sales Agent in Sri Lanka, as well as business representatives and partners from both countries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam said the launch of the direct route was the result of a long process of negotiations, exchanges and close coordination among the relevant authorities and partners, all driven by a common objective: removing barriers and making direct air connectivity between Vietnam and Sri Lanka a reality.
The Ambassador described the occasion as particularly significant as it follows the strong commitments made by the leaders of the two countries during recent high-level visits to strengthen direct air connectivity. She affirmed that the Embassy of Vietnam in Sri Lanka stands ready to continue working closely with Vietjet Air, Sri Lankan authorities and other partners to support the sustainable and successful operation of the new route.
Minister Anura Karunathilake expressed his appreciation to all parties involved in making the direct air link possible. He particularly acknowledged the persistent efforts and active contribution of Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam in promoting and facilitating direct air connectivity between Vietnam and Sri Lanka.
Vietjet Air will operate three weekly flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Colombo on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with a flight time of less than five hours. The new service provides a direct and convenient alternative to the lengthy journeys and transit stops in third countries that passengers between Vietnam and Sri Lanka previously had to undertake.
As one of Vietnam’s leading dynamic airlines, Vietjet’s new service is expected to offer passengers from both countries greater flexibility and convenience, while creating new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
The launch of the Ho Chi Minh City–Colombo route also contributes to the implementation of commitments reached during the State Visit of General Secretary and President of Vietnam To Lam to Sri Lanka in May 2026, when the leaders of the two countries agreed to prioritize stronger direct air connectivity as part of efforts to advance their Comprehensive Partnership.
The new air link comes at a time when Vietnam–Sri Lanka relations are expanding across a wide range of areas. Improved connectivity is expected to provide fresh momentum for bilateral tourism and economic cooperation, facilitate greater interaction between businesses and people, and bring the two countries closer together.
The inaugural Vietjet flight therefore represents more than a new commercial air service. It is a new bridge connecting Vietnam and Sri Lanka, reflecting the growing practical cooperation between the two countries and opening new opportunities for stronger, more substantive and sustainable bilateral relations in the years ahead.
