Direct flight service launched to strengthen Sri Lanka-Vietnam bilateral ties

20-Aug-2026

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Vietnam's Vietjet has successfully launched its first direct flight service to Colombo, further strengthening bilateral relations between the Governments of Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Marking a historic milestone in cooperation between the two countries, Vietjet's inaugural direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport.

The Airbus A320 aircraft that arrived in Sri Lanka carried 169 passengers, while 171 passengers travelled on the return flight from Colombo to Ho Chi Minh City.

Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunatilaka, Deputy Minister Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Deputy Minister of Tourism Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe, Ministry Secretary W.W.S. Mangal and Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam were present to welcome the passengers and crew.

Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Vietnam Boshitha Perera and officials of Airport and Aviation Services also participated in the event.

Although a decision had been taken as far back as 1992 to commence a direct air service between the two countries, it was not implemented. However, following President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's official visit to Vietnam in May 2025, his first official visit to the country as President, bilateral relations were further strengthened and negotiations paved the way for the launch of the direct air service.

Furthermore, during discussions between the Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Minister Anura Karunatilaka in December 2025, the necessary arrangements were completed to commence direct flights between the two countries in August 2026.

Commenting on the development, Minister Anura Karunatilaka said the new air service would further strengthen Sri Lanka's air connectivity network, while creating opportunities to increase tourist arrivals and expand trade, religious and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe said the direct air service would help develop the tourism market and bring several economic benefits, as Ho Chi Minh City is an important commercial and economic hub.

In addition, Sri Lankan private company Andrew the Aviation is providing passenger services and facilities in partnership with Vietjet. The flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City will operate three days a week – Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.