VietJet Launches Direct Colombo-Ho Chi Minh City Flights

COLOMBO (News 1st); VietJet has officially launched direct flights between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, marking a major milestone in connectivity between the two countries and opening new opportunities for tourism, trade and business travel.

The Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation said the airline's inaugural flight from Ho Chi Minh City arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on Tuesday (18) night, further strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

The arrival of the first VietJet flight was marked with a ceremonial water cannon salute organized by Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Pvt Ltd, while Sri Lanka Tourism welcomed passengers with a vibrant traditional Kandyan dance performance showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage.

The welcome ceremony was attended by Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy Anura Karunathilaka, Deputy Minister of Tourism Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe and the Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka.

A special cake-cutting ceremony was also held to commemorate the launch of the new route connecting Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City.

Passengers arriving on the inaugural flight were presented with complimentary Ceylon Tea packs sponsored by the Sri Lanka Tea Board, offering visitors a warm introduction to Sri Lankan hospitality.

Although Sri Lanka and Vietnam entered into an air services agreement in 1992, efforts to operationalize direct air connectivity were accelerated following President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's visit to Vietnam last year.

Under the new service, VietJet will operate three direct flights per week between Ho Chi Minh City and Colombo, providing greater convenience for travellers while supporting tourism growth, business links and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.