VOV.VN – National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has decided to bring forward the launch of its Ho Chi Minh City–Colombo service to August 16, less than two months after announcing a direct route to Sri Lanka as travel demand between the two countries continues to surg
According to the airline, the route will be operated by Airbus A321 aircraft with three flights a week. Flights from Ho Chi Minh City will depart on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, while return flights from Colombo will operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
The route marks Vietnam Airlines’ first service to Sri Lanka, expanding its direct network to South Asia. In addition to reducing travel time, the new service is expected to facilitate tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
Sri Lanka, the island nation known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” is renowned for its tropical beaches, sprawling tea plantations, rich cultural heritage and spectacular natural landscapes. The direct service allows Vietnamese travelers to reach the destination without the lengthy layovers previously required.
In the opposite direction, Sri Lankan travelers will have easier access to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An and Ha Long Bay. From Ho Chi Minh City, passengers can also connect to Vietnam Airlines’ wider network across Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia.
The new nonstop service eliminates what had long been the biggest drawback of traveling between the two countries, with transit times of seven to 12 hours via Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur. The direct flight takes just four to five hours.
The early launch of the Ho Chi Minh City–Colombo route marks another step in Vietnam Airlines’ strategy to expand its international network while underscoring the growing potential of air travel between Vietnam and South Asia.
