Vietjet, a Vietnamese airline, announced its first direct flight connecting Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam, with Colombo, Sri Lanka. The announcement was made on 8/5 at the Vietnam – Sri Lanka Trade, Investment, and Tourism Cooperation Forum held in Colombo. This initiative took place during the state visit of Party General Secretary, President To Lam to Sri Lanka, at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Vietjet announced the direct Ho Chi Minh City – Colombo route, witnessed by Party General Secretary, President To Lam (center) and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya (second from right). *Photo: Tai Nguyen*

The Ho Chi Minh City – Colombo service marks a significant step in Vietjet's strategy to expand its international flight network. The route, scheduled to launch in August with four weekly round-trip flights, is expected to enhance economic, trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

From Vietjet's extensive network, Colombo will gain direct access to many economic, tourism, and financial centers across the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Dinh Viet Phuong, First Vice President of Vietjet, highlighted the route's broader impact during the event. "The Ho Chi Minh City – Colombo route not only creates a new air connection between the two countries but also promotes cooperation corridors for trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange within the South Asia and Asia-Pacific regions," he stated.

Vietjet aircraft. *Photo: Tai Nguyen*

Colombo, a vital economic and trade hub in the Indian Ocean, and Ho Chi Minh City, a dynamic Southeast Asian urban center, are poised to form a new bridge for regional growth and cooperation. For international visitors and Sri Lankans, Ho Chi Minh City is an attractive destination, offering iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Ben Thanh Market, and a rich culinary scene.

Passengers flying with Vietjet can expect a modern, fuel-efficient fleet, professional crew, and friendly service. Onboard, the airline offers signature hot meals like Pho Thin, Vietnamese banh mi, and iced milk coffee, alongside entertainment and cultural performances at an altitude of 10,000 meters.

Hieu Chau