If direct flights to the United States demonstrate Vietnam Airlines’ mastery of the world’s highest technical standards, then flights to China and India are critical steps in the strategic development of major markets.

Connecting massive markets

From December 2022, Vietnam Airlines reopened many direct flights to China, including Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh City to Guangzhou, and Hanoi to Guangzhou/Beijing. In 2023, the airline plans to inaugurate the Hanoi-Chengdu route and restore services for chartered flights between Danang, Nha Trang, and other areas in China to fulfill travel needs.

Previously, in June 2022, Vietnam Airlines launched 04 direct flights per week from Hanoi to New Delhi (India) and 03 direct flights per week from Ho Chi Minh City to New Delhi. From May 20, 2023, Vietnam Airlines intends to open new routes, including 04 flights per week between Hanoi and Mumbai on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays; and 03 flights per week between Ho Chi Minh City and Mumbai on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On this occasion, the airline is offering special prices for return tickets (taxes and fees included) starting at USD199, equivalent to VND4,597,000, for tickets with departure dates through May 26, 2023.

Exploring a large goldmine

Launching direct flights from Vietnam to China and India promises new opportunities for Vietnam Airlines to operate in these big markets. These two major economies have comprehensive partnerships with Vietnam in many sectors and are the two most populous countries in the world, home to 35% of the global population.

China is one of Vietnam Airlines’ largest traditional markets, accounting for 13% of pre-Covid-19 international revenue, while India is a new market with enormous potential. It is one of Vietnam’s top 10 trade partners, with an average annual growth rate of 20% in two-way trade turnover, exceeding USD 15 billion in 2022. Vietnam has emerged as one of the top destinations for Indian visitors. Both business and leisure travel from India to Vietnam have increased dramatically in recent years, with tourists accounting for over 70% of the 320,000 annual visitors. Flights to India will enable Vietnam Airlines to access the new and vast South Asian market, complete our international flight network, and increase our competitiveness in the international airline market.

Vietnam Airlines has restored service to almost all international destinations, bringing the total number of international flights to over 600 per week, equivalent to 70% of the pre-pandemic frequency levels. Thanks to convenient flight schedules and a well-connected flight network, passengers from China and India will enjoy many enticing options through easy connections to Vietnam and Southeast Asia’s tourist attractions on Vietnam Airlines flights, such as Phu Quoc, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Singapore, Siem Reap and Bangkok.