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Vietjet has officially expanded its international network to include direct flights linking Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo with Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. Launched in August 2026, this route removes the necessity for Sri Lankan passengers to transit through third-party regional hubs, creating a streamlined bridge for business, leisure, and diplomatic travel.
The launch coincides with the airline's "9.9" promotional campaign. Under this initiative, one-way Eco fares are available from US$90, inclusive of taxes and fees. Additionally, passengers can apply the promotional code SALE99 to receive a 22% discount on Deluxe base fares for international flights. These promotional rates are applicable for travel between September 2026 and March 2027.
Beyond providing access to Vietnam, the route positions Ho Chi Minh City as a strategic transit gateway. Passengers originating in Colombo can now leverage Vietjet’s extensive network to connect to broader Asia-Pacific markets, including Japan, Thailand, Singapore, and Australia.
This connectivity surge aligns with the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism's strategic priority to increase international arrivals. To support this growth, the Vietnamese government has expanded electronic visa (e-visa) availability and extended visa validity periods to encourage longer visitor stays.
Transit Schedule & Route Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Origin Airport | Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo |
| Destination Airport | Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City |
| Launch Date | August 2026 |
| Promo Fare (Eco) | From US$90 (One-way, taxes included) |
| Promo Code | SALE99 (22% off Deluxe base fares) |
| Validity Period | September 2026 – March 2027 |
| Connecting Hubs | Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Australia |
Traveler Logistics Guide
From a ground-level perspective, navigating this new corridor requires specific attention to visa and transit timing to maximize the efficiency of the Ho Chi Minh City hub.
1. Visa & Entry Requirements Sri Lankan passport holders should prioritize the Vietnamese e-visa system. Given the government's recent extension of visa validity, apply at least 7-10 working days before departure via the official government portal to avoid boarding delays at CMB.
2. Connection Management When using Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) as a gateway to Japan or Australia, ensure a minimum layover of 3-4 hours. Tan Son Nhat is a high-traffic airport; while Vietjet streamlines many transfers, allowing extra time for security re-screening is recommended.
3. Fare Class Nuances The US$90 Eco fare is a restrictive ticket. Travelers should verify baggage allowances specifically, as low-cost carrier (LCC) Eco fares typically exclude checked luggage. For business travelers, the Deluxe fare (utilizing the SALE99 code) is the more viable option due to increased flexibility and luggage quotas.
4. Ground Transit in SGN Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, use official airport taxis or ride-hailing apps like Grab. Avoid unauthorized solicitors in the arrivals hall to ensure transparent pricing.
Infrastructure Impact Assessment
The introduction of this route shifts the outbound travel dynamics of Sri Lanka, moving it from a primarily inbound-focused tourism market to an active outbound participant in the Southeast Asian economy. By reducing the friction of multi-stop journeys, this direct link is expected to trigger a rise in independent travel and specialized tour packages.
For Vietnam, the route diversifies its visitor demographics, reducing reliance on traditional East Asian markets and tapping into the emerging South Asian middle class. This strengthens the economic resilience of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism by opening a direct pipeline from the Indian Ocean region.
