August 25, 2026 — 5:00amAustralians are flocking to Sri Lanka in record numbers, and Jetstar has taken notice, with Tuesday’s launch of non-stop flights between Melbourne and Colombo.The new route unleashes more than 50,000 additional return-trip seats between Australia and Sri Lanka a year.Sri Lankan tourism is booming and set to increase with the launch of Jetstar’s non-stop route from Melbourne to Colombo.iStockIn the 12 months to June 2026, 139,410 Australians visited Sri Lanka, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures reveal – an increase of 13 per cent over the previous 12 months.Compared with the year before that, these most recent figures represent a 38 per cent spike, also surpassing pre-COVID traveller volumes.Sri Lanka’s current stability is no doubt influencing that growth, with tourists putting the 2019 Easter bombings and the 2022 political crisis out of mind. The country also recently exempted Australians from tourism visa fees, replaced by a free 30-day Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).Sign up for the Traveller newsletterThe latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.Jetstar will fly its Boeing 787 Dreamliners on the new route.According to Jetstar data from Colombo bookings made to date, those flying return are staying an average of 13 days. More than half of passengers are aged 33 and over, while 15 per cent of bookings are for families travelling with children.Intrepid Travel, which operates tours within Sri Lanka, says the country is now the fifth most popular overseas destination with its Australian clients – up from sixth in 2025.Colombo was previously served by the now-defunct Jetstar Asia from Singapore. Meanwhile, Jetstar Airways will reach Colombo using its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner fleet.Jetstar’s Dreamliners offer business class and economy, but business class more closely resembles international premium economy, with extra recline rather than flat beds.The airline is now refreshing its Boeing 787s and boosting business class from 21 to 44 seats – in turn, reducing economy class capacity from 314 to 281 passengers. Jetstar is using a mix of refreshed and not-yet-refreshed aircraft on the route during the transition period.Controversially, Jetstar’s updated Boeing 787s lack seatback entertainment screens. Instead, “you’ll be able to pay to stream Jetstar’s in-flight entertainment on your own device,” the airline says – and you’ll need to bring your own headphones. Connectivity fees are waived in business class, but headphones remain BYO.The refit also introduces paid in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity (free in business class) and 60-watt USB-C charging, suitable for laptops. It replaces the older, slower-charging 15-watt USB-A outlets.Jetstar’s Colombo flights run three times a week – on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. JQ5 departs the Victorian capital at midday, reaching Colombo at 5.50pm local time. The return operates as JQ6 with a 7.50pm departure, arriving in Melbourne at 10am the following morning.The new services compete directly with SriLankan Airlines – a oneworld Alliance partner of Qantas – which serves both Melbourne and Sydney from Colombo.But while SriLankan offers a full-service experience, its flight timings are less friendly for jet lag. Flights from Melbourne touch down in Colombo at 10.25pm – probably making for a midnight hotel check-in. On the way home, it’s a 12.20am departure from Colombo (4.50am AEST) ahead of a 2.40pm arrival the same day.Responding to growth in Australian traveller numbers as well as the significant Sri Lankan diaspora in Melbourne, SriLankan Airlines will increase its offering from daily flights to 10 return services a week from November 15, 2026.Originally slated to commence in August but nudged back by three months, these additional departures have a more conventional early morning arrival into Melbourne. The added Melbourne-Colombo flights also reach the city in time for lunch, rather than bedtime.Jetstar passengers on “Business Max” fares can access the Qantas international business class lounge in Melbourne, though Qantas Club members as well as Qantas Gold and Platinum frequent flyers are now barred from Qantas’ lounges on international Jetstar flights. Booking a Qantas (QF) codeshare flight number gets around this restriction, but often at a higher fare price than through Jetstar directly.For flights departing from February 2, 2027, Jetstar is also charging for large carry-on baggage. One small bag remains free, but wheeled bags and other items stored in the overhead lockers add $104 in fees round-trip to Colombo at current prices. Travellers who use Qantas points to book a Classic Rewards flight on Jetstar are exempt from the charge.Colombo joins other longer-range destinations in the Jetstar Boeing 787 network such as Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul and Ho Chi Minh City.Melbourne-based journalist and columnist Chris Chamberlin enjoys maximising his points to travel the world in comfort and, as a points coach, helping others to do the same. From showering on a plane to stretching out in a double bed in the sky, Chris knows all the tips for flying in style without breaking the bank. His adventures have taken him on almost 1000 flights aboard more than 80 airlines, earning lifetime frequent flyer status along the way. Follow him on Instagram @chris_chamberlin.Connect via email.From our partners