Vietnam Airlines to launch 1st direct route to Sri Lanka

The launch was unveiled at the Vietnam-Sri Lanka Trade, Investment, and Tourism Cooperation Forum in Colombo on Friday, during Party General Secretary and State President To Lam's May 7-8 state visit to the island country.

The announcement was witnessed by senior leaders of both countries.

Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Colombo will depart on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, while return flights from Colombo to Ho Chi Minh City are scheduled on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Currently, passengers traveling between Vietnam and Sri Lanka must transit through regional hubs, extending journey times.

This new route is expected to reduce travel time and enhance passenger convenience.

Through Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Airlines will connect Sri Lankan travelers to an extensive network across Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, Australia, and beyond.

Sri Lanka is Vietnam’s third-largest passenger market in South Asia.

In 2025, traffic between the two countries reached more than 38,000 passengers, up 17.5 percent from the previous year.

In the first quarter of 2026 alone, the market grew by over 136 percent.

Dang Ngoc Hoa, board chairman at Vietnam Airlines, said the new route is “an important step in aviation cooperation between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, shortening geographical distance and facilitating trade, investment, and tourism exchanges.”

At the event, the national flag carrier and Vietnam’s leading tourism corporation Saigontourist Group also signed cooperation agreements with Sri Lanka’s Tourism Development Authority, tour operator associations, and travel agencies.

The deals include joint promotions, roadshows, and package tours to boost two-way tourism.

The airline also signed a memorandum of understanding with Harleys Group, its general sales agent in Sri Lanka, to strengthen distribution and market development.

The direct service is part of Vietnam Airlines’ broader strategy to expand its international network, particularly in South Asia, a fast-growing market.

The airline said the route will not only promote tourism but also help deepen economic and cultural ties between the two nations.