Jetstar Offers Cheap Flights From Australia to Sri Lanka

Jetstar has unveiled a major new route that’s set to reshape travel between Australia and South Asia. On 25 August 2026, the airline introduces Australia’s first low-cost direct flights from Melbourne to Colombo, with one-way fares beginning at an impressive $315.

The service will operate three times a week, opening more than 100,000 low-fare seats each year to Sri Lanka. It’s a significant step in Jetstar’s broader expansion strategy, which has seen the addition of 26 new routes and 13 new aircraft in just two years. Yet this route feels particularly impactful arriving at a moment when Australians are craving new destinations that offer adventure, affordability and cultural depth.

And Sri Lanka delivers all of that effortlessly.

Destinations Plus

Why Sri Lanka Is Becoming the Next Big Holiday Hotspot

For travellers wanting to look past the familiar resorts and overdone beach towns, Sri Lanka has begun to stand out as a thrilling alternative. It has that rare balance of natural beauty, cultural richness and value for money that Australians appreciate—but with a personality entirely its own.

Across the island, you’ll find:

• Coastlines rimmed with warm, golden sand• Cool highlands blanketed in tea plantations• Wildlife parks where elephants and leopards still roam freely• Centuries-old temples and cities steeped in history• Surf breaks that run from gentle beginner waves to world-class barrels• Design-forward boutiques, artisanal crafts and vibrant markets• A food scene built on spices, seafood and bold, unforgettable flavours

What makes the experience even more compelling is scale. At just smaller than Tasmania, Sri Lanka allows you to pack an extraordinary amount into a single itinerary beaches one morning, misty mountains by afternoon.

A Destination Rising in Popularity

Travel interest in the island has surged dramatically. Tourism earnings jumped 122% in January 2024, reflecting the world’s renewed enthusiasm for Sri Lanka.

Publications like Forbes have praised the island for its sweeping contrasts from rainforest to rice fields, ancient citadels to breezy coastal towns and for the warmth of its people.

Now, with Jetstar bringing direct low-cost access, that renewed interest is about to become a full-blown trend.

Your Affordable 2026 Escape

With fares from $315, an island getaway becomes newly achievable. Whether you're looking for a laid-back beach break, a family adventure filled with wildlife, or a holiday built around culture and cuisine, Sri Lanka fits the moment.

It’s poised to be one of the most affordable, experience-rich getaways of 2026 and one that feels far more luxurious than your airfare suggests.

A New Chapter for Australian Travellers

Jetstar’s launch does more than connect Melbourne to Colombo; it opens a walkway to one of the most varied and rewarding islands in the region.

For Australians seeking something vibrant, authentic and full of discovery, Sri Lanka is ready.

And thanks to this new route, getting there has never been easier or better value.