Jetstar launched the first direct low-fares flights between Sri Lanka and Australia on 25 August 2026, with its inaugural service landing at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. The airline began operating three flights weekly between Colombo and Melbourne year-round, providing more than 100,000 low-fare seats annually on the route.
One-way fares from Colombo to Melbourne start at LKR 67,770. These sale fares were available from 7:30 AM IST on 25 August 2026 through 9:29 PM on 31 August 2026 for selected travel dates. The new direct service eliminates the need for slow and costly connections through third countries, improving access
for travellers between Sri Lanka and Australia.
Jetstar Fleet and Service Upgrades
The route is operated using Jetstar’s fleet of 11 widebody Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Jetstar has upgraded these aircraft this year with enhanced economy and business class cabins, introducing Wi-Fi and doubling the number of business class seats available. A new lie-flat crew rest area aboard the 787 supports flight durations up to 16 hours, enabling longer-haul services such as this direct Colombo-Melbourne connection.
Demand and Commercial Support
A Jetstar representative highlighted strong demand, noting Victoria hosts Australia’s largest Sri Lankan community, which is expected to drive use of the route by holidaymakers and those visiting family. Hayleys
Advantis Deputy Managing Director Shano Sabar described the service as addressing a longstanding gap in direct routes between Sri Lanka and Australia. As Jetstar’s General Sales Agent in Sri Lanka, Hayleys Advantis provides operational and commercial support to ensure the route maintains consistent performance in both directions.
According to Sabar, the three weekly widebody flights running year-round provide affordable access to Victoria and onward connections through Jetstar’s domestic network to Australian cities including Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Tasmania, as well as New Zealand destinations Auckland and Queenstown on a single booking.
Background and Connectivity Benefits
Prior to this launch, travellers between Colombo
and Australia had to connect through third countries at higher cost and longer travel times. The introduction of a direct route improves options for Sri Lankan travellers, providing affordable and reliable access to Australia’s largest Sri Lankan population in Victoria. It also supports Sri Lanka’s tourism sector by offering consistent inbound capacity. The new service enhances Jetstar’s network reach, linking Colombo directly to Melbourne and enabling seamless onward travel across both Australian and New Zealand domestic destinations.
