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Vietnam Airlines has announced it will launch a direct flight route connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Colombo, under the witness of senior leaders of Vietnam and Sri Lanka during the Vietnam–Sri Lanka Joint Forum on Trade, Investment, and Tourism in Colombo, coinciding with the state visit of General Secretary and President To Lam.
From October 2026, Vietnam Airlines will operate the Ho Chi Minh City–Colombo direct route using an Airbus A321, with a frequency of three round-trips per week.
The airline said the new route is designed to meet travel, tourism, and trade demand between the two countries. Through Vietnam Airlines’ Ho Chi Minh City transfer hub, Sri Lankan passengers can access the carrier’s network across Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, Australia, and other destinations.
The direct route will be Vietnam’s first non-stop connection to Sri Lanka. Vietnam Airlines described it as a milestone in expanding its international network, particularly in South Asia, which it characterized as a high-potential and rapidly growing market.
Vietnam Airlines noted that demand between Vietnam and Sri Lanka has been rising, but there is currently no direct connection. Sri Lanka is the third-largest market for Vietnam in South Asia by passenger volume. In 2025, passenger traffic between the two countries exceeded 38,000, up 17.5% year-on-year. In the first quarter of 2026, the market recorded growth of more than 136%.
At present, passengers typically have to connect through regional hubs, which lengthens travel time.
Vietnam Airlines said the direct route will shorten travel time and improve the passenger experience, while also strengthening connectivity between Vietnam and the South Asia region. As Sri Lanka becomes an increasingly attractive destination in South Asia, the airline expects the route to boost two-way passenger flows and support expansion in trade, tourism, and business exchanges.
Mr. Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Vietnam Airlines Board of Directors, said: “Opening a route to Colombo is an important step in aviation cooperation between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, shortening geographic distance and facilitating trade, investment and tourism exchanges between the two nations. The new route is expected to significantly boost two-way passenger traffic and strengthen links between Vietnam and the South Asia region.”
On the same occasion, Vietnam Airlines signed cooperation agreements with Sri Lankan partners to develop the market, promote tourism, and increase passenger volume. Vietnam Airlines and Saigontourist Group signed agreements with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the Sri Lankan Association of Tour Operators, and the Sri Lankan Association of Travel Agents. The agreements cover destination promotion, roadshows, packaged tourism product development, expanding distribution networks, and promotional programs to increase tourist exchanges between the two countries.
Vietnam Airlines also signed a memorandum of understanding with Harleys Group, the general sales agent and service partner in Sri Lanka, to strengthen market cooperation, develop the distribution system, and support route operations.
The airline said the Ho Chi Minh City–Colombo direct route continues to expand its international network and supports Vietnam’s international integration efforts under Politburo Resolution No. 59. It is expected to provide more convenient travel options for passengers and contribute to economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges between Vietnam and Sri Lanka.
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