Friday, March 28, 2025
Vietnam’s aviation sector is witnessing a dynamic surge in international growth, as both the national flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines, and the budget-friendly Vietjet Airlines expand their global reach. The move is poised to boost tourism, enhance global connectivity, and solidify Vietnam’s position as a growing international hub for business and leisure travel. With ambitious plans to cover key regions such as Russia, India, China, Japan, Italy, and Indonesia, Vietnam’s aviation industry is gearing up for a transformative phase.
Vietnam Airlines is making bold moves this year, starting with the relaunch of several major international routes. A standout initiative is the reopening of the Hanoi-Moscow route, set for May after a three-year hiatus due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This key route will reestablish direct connectivity between Vietnam and Russia, with initial flights operating twice a week. This strategic route revival is expected to significantly rejuvenate both aviation and tourism ties between the two nations, opening new avenues for travelers and strengthening cultural and economic exchanges.
In addition to Moscow, Vietnam Airlines is expanding its footprint in India, launching two crucial routes. Starting May 1, the airline will initiate the Hanoi-Bengaluru route, followed by the Hanoi-Hyderabad route on May 7. Both new services will operate three to four round-trip flights per week, further solidifying the airline’s strong presence in the Indian market. Vietnam Airlines previously serviced over 240,000 passengers between Vietnam and India, further showcasing its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and encouraging tourism between the countries.
On June 1, the airline will launch its Ho Chi Minh City to Bali route, establishing a vital connection to Southeast Asia. The route will feature four weekly flights, helping to meet the increasing demand for travel to the popular Indonesian destination. This marks a critical step in expanding regional connectivity, further positioning Vietnam Airlines as a key player in the Southeast Asian aviation space.
The airline’s expansion plan includes venturing into the European market, with a new direct route between Hanoi and Milan, Italy, scheduled for launch in July. With three round-trip flights per week, this new route will cater to business and leisure travelers, offering an essential link between Vietnam and Italy. Vietnam Airlines already maintains direct flights to major global cities like Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, and London, and by 2025, the airline plans to unveil 15 new international routes. This expansion will extend the airline’s network across Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, and the UAE, offering even more international destinations for global travelers.
Vietjet’s Global Expansion Targets Asia and Europe
As Vietnam Airlines focuses on long-haul markets, budget carrier Vietjet is making waves in its own international expansion, particularly across Asia and Europe. The airline has launched new services connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. This expansion is set to cater to the growing demand for travel between the two countries, further boosting tourism and business exchanges.
Vietjet has also ramped up its operations in Japan, with an impressive 138 weekly flights connecting major Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Hiroshima. As of May 30, Vietjet will also begin operating a four-times-a-week service from Singapore to Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s famed tourist destination. This new addition is expected to tap into the growing travel demand for Vietnam’s island offerings, which have become increasingly popular among international tourists.
Regional Carriers Focus on Domestic Growth Amidst Fleet Expansion
While the major carriers focus on international expansion, regional players such as Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines, and Pacific Airlines are primarily dedicated to enhancing domestic routes. These carriers continue to face challenges related to fleet capacity but are committed to meeting the rising demand for domestic air travel within Vietnam.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam projects that the domestic aviation market will grow by eight percent in 2025, spurred by the expansion of local carriers. More than 10 new aircraft will be added to local fleets, pushing the total number of planes in operation to over 200. This fleet growth is expected to strengthen the domestic market and further contribute to the country’s overall aviation development.
International Airlines Flock to Vietnam’s Growing Market
Vietnam’s aviation market is not only growing domestically but also attracting international players. Ethiopian Airlines is preparing to launch a new service from Addis Ababa to Hanoi, starting July 10. This new route will operate four weekly flights, capitalizing on the increasing demand for travel to and from Africa. Additionally, Russian airlines are restarting charter flights to Vietnam, with several connections from cities such as Moscow, Barnaul, and Vladivostok to Cam Ranh International Airport in Khanh Hoa Province. This marks a resurgence in traffic from Russia to Vietnam, driven by the appeal of the country’s tourism offerings.
A Bright Future for Vietnam’s Aviation Industry
Vietnam’s aviation sector is rapidly evolving, with Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet leading the charge in expanding international connectivity. Their efforts reflect the growing global interest in Vietnam as a prime travel destination, driving increased tourism, business opportunities, and international partnerships. As these airlines roll out more routes across key global regions, the future of Vietnam’s aviation industry looks brighter than ever, solidifying the country’s status as an emerging global aviation and tourism hub. With continued investment, expansion, and innovation, Vietnam’s skies are open to the world like never before.
