Vietjet has officially launched its new direct service connecting Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City, strengthening air connectivity between Sri Lanka and Vietnam while opening a new travel link between South Asia and Southeast Asia.
The inaugural flight, with two Sri Lankan pilots among the three-member cockpit crew, was celebrated with a vibrant ceremony bringing together government officials, diplomatic representatives and aviation stakeholders from both countries.
Prior to the departure of Flight VJ1875 from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City on the evening of 18 August, Vietjet leaders presented flowers to the flight crew and passengers, sending their best wishes for the inaugural journey. Notably, two of the three pilots operating the flight were Sri Lankan –Captain Yonmeregngna Seemon Hewage Thiwanka Silva and First Officer Randil Hashen Perera – highlighting the strong local connection behind the new service. Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, the aircraft received a spectacular water cannon salute. Passengers were then greeted with flower garlands and Sri Lankan tea gift packs as a warm gesture of local hospitality.
The celebration continued with a traditional Sri Lankan cultural dance at the arrival pier before guests returned to the Silk Route Lounge for the official ceremony. There, Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy; Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism; Trinh Thi Tam, Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka and Maldives; and Poshitha Perera, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Vietnam, together with senior representatives from Vietjet and Bandaranaike International Airport, took part in a traditional Sri Lankan oil lamp lighting ceremony and inaugural cake cutting, followed by remarks celebrating the new direct service.
