August 17, Colombo (LNW): Vietnam Airlines has begun operating a new direct route between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, strengthening air connectivity between the two countries with the arrival of its first scheduled service at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.
The inaugural service, VN-671, travelled from Ho Chi Minh City aboard an Airbus A320 and touched down at 11.02 p.m. on 16 August. The aircraft was welcomed with a traditional water salute, marking the formal introduction of the new route.
The flight carried 164 passengers to Sri Lanka, while 172 travellers boarded the return service to Vietnam, signalling strong initial interest in the new connection.
The airline will operate the route three times a week, with services scheduled on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The journey between Katunayake and Vietnam is expected to take approximately four and a half hours.
A ceremony was held at the airport to commemorate the launch, bringing together officials and representatives involved in the new service. Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam attended the event as the chief guest.