Jetstar Sets A New Standard For Affordable Travel With Nonstop Melbourne-Colombo Service, Connecting Australia To Sri Lanka Like Never Before

Published on December 9, 2025

Jetstar is launching its first-ever direct flight service between Melbourne and Colombo, starting in August 2026, to provide Australian travelers with a convenient and affordable connection to Sri Lanka. This new route eliminates the need for stopovers, making it easier for travelers to access Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and growing tourism sector. By offering nonstop flights, Jetstar is catering to the increasing demand for budget-friendly long-haul travel to South Asia.

Jetstar (JQ) is launching its first-ever direct flight service between Australia and Sri Lanka, connecting Melbourne (MEL) with Colombo (CMB) starting in August 2026. This new long-haul route positions Jetstar as the only low-cost airline to offer nonstop flights between the two cities, providing affordable access to South Asia for Australian travelers.

New Route to Sri Lanka

From 25 August 2026, Jetstar will operate three weekly flights between Melbourne and Colombo, marking the airline’s first direct service to Sri Lanka. This year-round service is expected to provide over 100,000 low-fare seats annually. With flights departing Melbourne on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, travelers will no longer need to transit through Southeast Asia or the Middle East, making the journey to Colombo easier and more convenient.

Jetstar’s Melbourne–Colombo Flight Schedule (Effective 25 August 2026)

• Flight Number JQ5:
• Route: Melbourne (MEL) to Colombo (CMB)
• Operating Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
• Departure Time: 12:00
• Arrival Time: 17:50
• Flight Number JQ6:
• Route: Colombo (CMB) to Melbourne (MEL)
• Operating Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
• Departure Time: 19:50
• Arrival Time: 10:00 +1

The schedule is applicable from 25 August to 3 October 2026. Timings may vary during daylight saving periods.*

Upgrades to Jetstar’s Boeing 787 Fleet for Long-Haul Expansion

Jetstar will operate this new route using its fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The airline has planned progressive cabin upgrades for its 787s starting in early 2026. These upgrades include expanding business class seating, adding onboard Wi-Fi for personal device streaming, and introducing a lie-flat crew rest facility. The new features will enhance passenger comfort, especially on long-haul flights. The first upgraded Boeing 787 is expected to arrive in Melbourne in March 2026, before the route’s launch.

Launch Sale and Ticket Availability

Jetstar will mark the route’s introduction with a 24-hour Route Launch Sale starting at midday AEDT. One-way fares from Melbourne to Colombo will be available from AUD 315, subject to conditions. The promotional fares do not include checked baggage, and seats at these prices are limited. The sale offers a unique opportunity to secure affordable tickets for this exciting new route.

Government and regulatory approvals are still required before the route’s full implementation.

Jetstar’s Expanding Network

This announcement is part of Jetstar’s ongoing network expansion. Over the past two years, the airline has launched 26 new routes and added 13 new aircraft to its fleet. In 2025, Jetstar introduced 14 new routes, including nine international services. The addition of Colombo further strengthens the airline’s presence in South Asia and reflects Jetstar’s broader strategy of offering more international travel options for budget-conscious travelers.

Jetstar also celebrates a decade of operations at Melbourne Airport’s Terminal 4, which is now the airline’s largest hub. In this time, Jetstar has transported more than 50 million passengers through the terminal, underlining the strategic importance of Melbourne in its network.

Growing Demand for South Asian Travel

Jetstar is preparing for its busiest holiday season on record, forecasting nearly six million passengers during the Christmas and New Year period across its Australian, New Zealand, Japan, and international networks. In Melbourne alone, Jetstar expects to handle 1.7 million passengers over the peak summer period. The new route to Colombo is in response to the growing demand for travel to South Asia, particularly among Australians seeking affordable vacation options.

Traveling to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and affordable travel options. The island offers diverse experiences, from exploring its bustling cities to relaxing on its pristine beaches and hiking through the lush hills of its central region.

Getting Around Sri Lanka

Travel within Sri Lanka is affordable and relatively easy, although travelers should prepare for busy roads and flexible schedules. Trains provide a scenic and efficient way to travel, particularly on routes through Kandy, Ella, and Nuwara Eliya, where travelers can enjoy breathtaking views of tea plantations and mountains. Tuk-tuks are another popular and practical option for short trips, and hiring them for a day is a common choice for tourists. Public buses are also widely available, though they can be crowded.

Practical Travel Tips

Visitors to Sri Lanka should obtain a tourist visa, either online before arrival or upon entry. It is recommended to apply in advance to avoid long wait times at the airport. Tap water in Sri Lanka is not safe to drink, so travelers should carry a reusable bottle with a purifier. The warm climate calls for regular hydration.

Local food is inexpensive and widely available, with meals costing between 600 LKR and 1,200 LKR at local restaurants. For those interested in visiting attractions such as Yala National Park or Sigiriya Rock Fortress, ticket prices are slightly higher, but still affordable compared to other tourist destinations.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Sri Lanka varies based on the region you plan to explore. The southern and western coasts are best visited from December to March, while the north and east are more favorable from April to September. Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious sites require modest dress, especially at temples, so travelers should dress accordingly.

Jetstar is launching direct flights between Melbourne and Colombo in August 2026 to offer Australians an affordable and convenient route to Sri Lanka, eliminating the need for layovers. This new service responds to growing demand for budget-friendly travel to South Asia.

Accommodation and Budgeting

Sri Lanka offers a range of accommodations, from budget hostels starting at 2,500 LKR per night to mid-range guesthouses, which typically charge around 7,500 LKR for a private room. For a longer stay, travelers can expect to spend between 10,000 and 18,000 LKR per day, covering accommodation, meals, and transport.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka offers a vibrant and diverse travel experience for all types of visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring its cultural sites, hiking through scenic landscapes, or relaxing by the beach, the island promises an enriching adventure. With Jetstar’s new direct flights, Australians now have an affordable and convenient option to explore this beautiful destination.