Vietjet will inaugurate nonstop service between Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and Colombo (CMB) on 18 August 2026, marking the carrier's first direct link to Sri Lanka. The route will operate three times weekly, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, using the airline's modern Airbus fleet.
Flights depart Tan Son Nhat International Airport at 18:15 and arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport at 21:50 local time. The return leg leaves Colombo at 23:00, touching down in Ho Chi Minh City at 05:55 the following day. This schedule is designed to facilitate onward connections across Vietjet's network, including destinations in Australia, Japan, South Korea, and other Asia-Pacific markets.
Promotional Fares and Booking Details
To celebrate the launch, Vietjet is offering Eco-class tickets starting at USD0 (excluding taxes and fees) for a limited booking window from 00:00 on 21 July to 23:00 on 23 July 2026 (UTC+7). The promotional fare includes 20kg of complimentary checked baggage. Travel must occur between 18 August 2026 and 31 March 2027, with blackout dates applicable. Tickets are available exclusively through the Vietjet website and mobile app.
This aggressive pricing strategy is typical of Vietjet's approach to stimulating demand on new routes. The carrier has previously used zero-fare campaigns to build passenger volume on routes such as Ho Chi Minh City–Delhi and Hanoi–Osaka.
Strategic Importance for Sri Lanka and Vietnam Connectivity
The new service enhances connectivity between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, two markets with growing tourism and trade ties. Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport serves as a gateway to Sri Lanka's cultural and beach destinations, while Ho Chi Minh City is a major hub for business and leisure travel in Southeast Asia. Vietjet's hub at Tan Son Nhat offers onward connections to key Asia-Pacific cities, including Sydney, Tokyo, Seoul, and Singapore.
This route expansion aligns with broader trends in the region. As noted in Thailand Deepens Tourism Ties with Western China via Air Route Expansion and Digital Partnerships, Southeast Asian carriers are increasingly targeting secondary markets to diversify traffic flows. Vietjet's move also mirrors the strategy of other low-cost carriers like AirAsia and Scoot, which have added Colombo to their networks in recent years.
Onboard Experience and Loyalty Programme
Vietjet's in-flight service includes a selection of Vietnamese specialties such as pho and banh mi, alongside international meal options. The airline's SkyJoy loyalty programme allows members to earn and redeem points across over 250 partner brands, including hotels, retail, and travel services. This programme is a key differentiator in the competitive low-cost carrier segment, where ancillary revenue and customer retention are increasingly important.
The carrier's modern fleet, which includes Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, supports operational reliability and fuel efficiency. Vietjet has also invested in digital tools for booking and check-in, streamlining the passenger experience.
Industry Context
The launch comes as Asia-Pacific aviation continues its post-pandemic recovery. According to IATA 2025 Data: Premium Travel Surges as Asia-Pacific Dominates Global Routes, the region is leading global traffic growth, with low-cost carriers capturing an increasing share. Vietjet's expansion into South Asia reflects this trend, as carriers seek to capture demand from both leisure and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) segments.
Vietjet's partnership with ASEAN United FC also underscores its marketing strategy to engage sports fans and younger travelers, a demographic that overlaps with the Sri Lanka route's target audience.
Travel professionals should note that the promotional fare window is short, and inventory is likely to be limited. Agents and tour operators can leverage this offer to build packages combining Sri Lanka's attractions—such as Sigiriya, Kandy, and the southern beaches—with Vietjet's connecting flights from other Asia-Pacific cities.
