Vietnam Airlines has officially commenced direct air services between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, with its inaugural flight arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake.
The Airbus A320, operating as flight VN-671 from Ho Chi Minh City, arrived at the airport at 11.02 p.m. yesterday (16) and was given a traditional water salute upon arrival.
A total of 164 passengers had arrived on the inaugural flight, while 172 passengers departed for Vietnam on the return flight.
Under the new direct service, flights between Katunayake and Vietnam will operate three days a week, on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Each flight will take approximately four hours and 30 minutes.
A special ceremony was held at the Katunayake Airport premises to mark the launch of the new service.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Trinh Thi, Tam, attended the event as the Chief Guest.