Vietnam’s low-cost airline Vietjet Air has commenced direct flight operations between Sri Lanka and Vietnam, with its inaugural flight arriving at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) last night (18).
Vietjet’s inaugural flight VJ-1875 arrived at Katunayake at 9:33 p.m., carrying 169 passengers from Ho Chi Minh City.
The service is operated using an Airbus A320 aircraft with 180 economy-class seats.
A notable feature of the inaugural flight was that the aircraft was piloted by two Sri Lankan nationals — Captain Thivanka Silva and First Officer Randeer Perera.
After a brief turnaround, the aircraft departed Katunayake for Ho Chi Minh City carrying 171 passengers.
Vietjet will operate the direct service three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Colombo.
The inaugural flight also received a water salute upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport.
