Australian airline Jetstar commenced direct low-cost flights between Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Melbourne, Australia, with the inaugural service landing at Bandaranaike International Airport on August 25, 2026. Shortly after arrival, the first flight from Colombo to Melbourne departed. Jetstar will operate the route three times a week throughout the year, offering over 100,000 low-fare seats annually between the two cities.
One-way promotional fares from Colombo to Melbourne start at LKR 67770, with tickets on sale from 7:30 AM IST on August 30, 2026, until 9:29 PM on August 31, 2026, valid for various travel dates unless sold out earlier.
The
flights are operated using Jetstar’s fleet of 11 widebody Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Jetstar is currently refurbishing these aircraft, including a full upgrade of economy and business class cabins. The renovation doubles business class seat capacity, adds Wi-Fi streaming for passengers, and introduces a new lie-flat crew rest area enabling flight durations of up to 16 hours.
Route connectivity and community linkages
The Colombo to Melbourne service creates a direct air link that has been absent, eliminating the need for connections through a third country. This route connects Sri Lankan travelers to Victoria, home of Australia’s largest Sri Lankan community, and provides onward single-connection travel to
Australian domestic destinations including Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Tasmania, as well as New Zealand destinations Auckland and Queenstown via Jetstar’s network.
Hayleys Advantis, Jetstar’s General Sales Agent in Sri Lanka, cited the route as a solution to the previous lack of direct flights between Sri Lanka and Australia. Deputy Managing Director Shano Sabar said, “Until now, travelling between Colombo and Australia has meant connecting through a third country at a higher cost. Three weekly widebody services on a year-round schedule change that, with capacity that holds through the off season rather than only at peak.” He emphasized that
the service enhances affordable travel access for Sri Lankans to family in Victoria and supports Sri Lanka’s tourism sector by providing consistent inbound capacity.
A Jetstar official expressed optimism about strong demand for the new service, saying, “Victoria is home to Australia’s largest Sri Lankan community, so we’re expecting the route to be popular with holidaymakers and those visiting family and friends. We’re looking forward to becoming a familiar sight at Bandaranaike.”
The launch of this direct service addresses a gap in year-round flight options, offering more consistent connectivity beyond peak seasons and helping make travel more affordable for families
and leisure travelers between Colombo and Melbourne.
