Vietnam Airlines launches direct Sri Lanka flights

Vietnam Airlines has launched direct air services between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, with its inaugural flight arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake early Monday.

The Airbus A320, operating as flight VN-671 from Ho Chi Minh City, landed at BIA at 11.02 p.m. on Sunday (16) and received a traditional water salute to mark the commencement of the new service.

The inaugural flight carried 164 passengers, while 172 passengers departed for Vietnam on the return flight.

Under the new service, Vietnam Airlines will operate three flights a week between Katunayake and Vietnam, on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The direct flight will take approximately four hours and 30 minutes, providing a faster connection between the two countries.

A special ceremony was held at BIA to mark the launch of the new service, with Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam attending as the Chief Guest.