Vietnamese airlines launch new direct flights to Australia and India

Two biggest airlines in Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air, have initiated new non-stop routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to major cities in Australia and an Indian city in response to heightened demand.

On June 15, Vietnam Airlines commenced service between Hanoi and Melbourne, offering two weekly flights on Thursdays and Sundays. Meanwhile, budget airline Vietjet introduced direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Brisbane, Australia's third-largest city, on June 16. This route operates twice a week using wide-bodied A330 aircraft. This development marks a significant milestone as it establishes the first-ever connection between Vietnam and Brisbane, a city set to host the 2032 Summer Olympics. Furthermore, Vietjet has the distinction of being the first Vietnamese carrier to establish a direct route linking Ho Chi Minh City and Perth, connecting Vietnam's bustling metropolis with Western Australia. The airline's representative has indicated that this route is scheduled to commence on November 21, with two return flights per week.

Turning to the newly announced flight to India, Vietjet has unveiled its inaugural direct route from Kerala to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, set to debut on August 12. This announcement follows a meeting between Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on July 5, during which they committed to launching a direct flight service between Ho Chi Minh City and Kochi. Airline authorities have confirmed that the Kochi-Ho Chi Minh City route will operate with a frequency of four flights per week, specifically on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The company anticipates that these new routes will significantly bolster tourism growth in Kerala, India, and Vietnam, thanks to a comprehensive range of products and services, all offered at competitive and reasonable fares.