Vietnamese airline Vietjet has launched a new direct service connecting Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City, operating three round-trip flights weekly and strengthening air links between South and Southeast Asia.
Vietjet has officially commenced direct air service between Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, marking a new connectivity milestone for Sri Lanka and the Southeast Asian region. The inaugural flight, designated VJ1875, departed Ho Chi Minh City on the evening of 18 August and arrived in Colombo to a water cannon salute and traditional welcome ceremonies featuring flower garlands and Sri Lankan tea gift packs.
The flight crew included two Sri Lankan pilots—Captain Yonmeregngna Seemon Hewage Thiwanka Silva and First Officer Randil Hashen Perera—among the three-member cockpit team, emphasizing local participation in the new service. Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, officials including Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka, Vietnam's Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam, and Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Vietnam Poshitha Perera participated in a traditional oil lamp lighting ceremony and inaugural cake cutting at the Silk Route Lounge.
The route operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with outbound flights departing Colombo at 23:00 and arriving in Ho Chi Minh City at 05:55 the following morning. Return services depart Ho Chi Minh City at 18:15, arriving in Colombo at 21:50 local time. The airline offers in-flight meals featuring Vietnamese specialties including pho and banh mi, alongside international options.
The service aims to strengthen tourism and business connectivity between the two countries. For Sri Lankan travellers, Ho Chi Minh City provides a gateway to wider Southeast Asia, while the route also facilitates visitor access to Sri Lanka's beaches, tea plantations, and cultural heritage sites from Vietnam and Vietjet's international network.
