Vietnam’s leading low-cost carrier, VietJet, launched its inaugural direct flight service between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh Cityon Saturday (18), strengthening air connectivity between Sri Lanka and Vietnam while opening new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment.
The new service, which commenced on July 18, is expected to facilitate greater travel between the two countries and improve access for both leisure and business travellers.
Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath welcomed VietJet’s entry into the Sri Lankan market and expressed confidence in the success of the airline’s operations. He noted that the launch of the direct service was a key outcome of discussions held between the Heads of State of Sri Lanka and Vietnam during bilateral engagements last year.
The Minister said the new route would provide a significant boost to tourism in both countries. Sri Lanka and Vietnam have jointly planned to introduce new travel packages aimed at increasing tourist arrivals, with a special focus on religious tourism, as well as cultural, health and adventure tourism.
He said the initiative would build on the long-standing religious and cultural ties shared by the two nations while creating new opportunities for tourism sector stakeholders. VietJet will operate three weekly flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
With Ho Chi Minh City serving as one of VietJet’s principal aviation hubs, the new route will also provide Sri Lankan travellers with convenient onward connections to several destinations across Vietnam, East Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia, further enhancing Sri Lanka’s international air links and expanding travel options for outbound passengers.
Source: Daily News
