Jetstar is set to begin its first-ever flights from Australia to Sri Lanka in August next year, introducing the only direct low-cost service from Melbourne to Colombo, the capital of the South Asian nation.
Starting 25 August 2026, Jetstar will become the first Australian airline to operate this route. The carrier will fly three times a week between Melbourne and Colombo, offering more than 100,000 low-fare seats annually.
Upgraded Aircraft
The year-round service will be operated using Jetstar’s fleet of 11 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which will undergo progressive upgrades beginning early next year.
The refurbishment includes a complete overhaul of both economy and business class cabins, more than doubling the number of business class seats, and the installation of Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to stream entertainment on their own devices.
A newly added lie-flat crew rest area will support flights of up to 16 hours, paving the way for potential future long-haul destinations. The first upgraded aircraft is expected to arrive in Melbourne in late March 2026.
Sale Fares
Tickets for the new route go on sale at midday (AEDT) today.
To mark the launch, Jetstar will hold a 24-hour Route Launch Sale, offering one-way fares between Melbourne (Tullamarine) and Colombo starting from just $315^, available at jetstar.com.
Jetstar’s Growth Momentum
The Melbourne–Colombo launch comes during one of the most significant growth phases in Jetstar’s nearly 22-year history.
Over the past two years, the airline has announced 26 new routes and added 13 new aircraft to its fleet, enabling more travellers to “take off more, for less.”
The year 2025 stands out with 14 new routes announced, including nine international routes, with further expansion planned.
Jetstar is also celebrating 10 years of domestic operations from Melbourne’s Terminal 4, through which it has carried more than 50 million customers.
Holiday Peak Travel
The announcement coincides with Jetstar’s preparations for its biggest Christmas season ever. The airline expects to carry almost six million passengers across its Australian, New Zealand, Japan, and broader international network throughout December and January.
Of this, a record 1.7 million passengers are forecast to travel through Melbourne alone during the summer peak.
Statements from Jetstar and Melbourne Airport
Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said the new Melbourne–Colombo service will provide Australians with a direct and affordable way to explore Sri Lanka.
“Colombo is an incredible destination, and from August next year, we’re excited to be making it easier for Aussies to experience everything the beautiful country of Sri Lanka has to offer.
This new route out of our home base of Melbourne is part of a huge growth phase for Jetstar. We’ve added new destinations, more aircraft and we’re continuing to expand our international network to give travellers even more choice and opportunities to take off for less.”
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus welcomed the new addition as the airline and airport mark 10 years since the opening of Terminal 4.
“We’re thrilled to see Sri Lanka, one of the region’s fastest-growing destinations, become Jetstar’s 10th international destination from Melbourne.
More Jetstar flights mean more legendary low fares – making it easier than ever for Victorians to explore this part of the world for leisure or to visit family and relatives.
A decade on, we’re proud to be Jetstar’s largest hub.”
Flight Schedule
From 25 August 2026
