Vietnam Airlines and Tourism Malaysia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance air connectivity and jointly promote tourism between Vietnam and Malaysia.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior tourism officials from both nations, underscoring a new milestone in the partnership between Vietnam’s national carrier and Malaysia’s tourism authority. Representing Malaysia were Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Dato’ Tan Yang Thai, Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam; Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, along with his delegation. From Vietnam, attendees included Mr. Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr. Ta Manh Hung, Member  of  Board of Directors  of Vietnam Airlines, Mr. Dang Anh Tuan, EVP of Vietnam Airlines, Mr. To Ngoc Giang, EVP of Vietnam Airlines.

Under the agreement, Vietnam Airlines and Tourism Malaysia will work closely together on a variety of initiatives designed to showcase Malaysia as a top travel destination through Vietnam Airlines’ established flight network and coordinated marketing efforts. Key activities will include organizing familiarization trips for media professionals, travel agents, and influencers; exchanging market insights; co-hosting promotional events; and developing customized travel products tailored to diverse customer segments.

This strategic partnership is focused on driving sustainable tourism growth, enhancing the overall passenger experience, strengthening air connectivity, and positioning Malaysia as an increasingly desirable destination for Vietnamese travelers.

Mr. Dang Anh Tuan, Vietnam Airlines EVP said: “As Vietnam’s national carrier and a key regional connector, Vietnam Airlines is committed to expanding its network to link vital tourism, cultural, and commercial hubs. This MoU marks a strategic step forward to deepen air connectivity with Malaysia and promote bilateral tourism growth. We are dedicated to executing this partnership effectively, delivering seamless, high-quality travel experiences for passengers from both countries.”

Mr. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia said: “Our collaboration with Vietnam Airlines is a strategic initiative to strengthen ties between our countries. Enhanced air connectivity not only drives tourism but also fosters stronger people-to-people relationships, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange. Through this partnership, we aim to promote sustainable tourism development and generate lasting benefits for both Malaysia and Vietnam.”

Vietnam Airlines currently operates direct flights connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, other carriers link major Vietnamese cities such as Da Nang, Da Lat, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang to destinations in Malaysia including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Kota Kinabalu. As of July 2025, there are a total of 164 weekly flights between Vietnam and Malaysia, offering nearly 30,000 seats to accommodate the rising demand for tourism and business travel.

Vietnam Airlines also maintains a strong partnership with Malaysia Airlines on key routes, including Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, Da Nang, and Perth (operated by Vietnam Airlines), as well as Kuala Lumpur to Ho Chi Minh City, Penang, and Bangkok (operated by Malaysia Airlines). This collaboration improves operational efficiency, increases flight occupancy rates, and broadens domestic connectivity within Malaysia.

Looking forward, Tourism Malaysia is set to launch a series of promotional campaigns in Vietnam, such as MADANI Malaysia Week and the Malaysia Tourism, Culture, and Cuisine Festival 2025 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Long-term initiatives like Malaysia My Second Home and the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign will also continue to strengthen bilateral tourism ties.

The Memorandum of Understanding lays a strong foundation for coordinated and effective collaboration. Leveraging its extensive network, operational capabilities, and international experience, Vietnam Airlines will continue to serve as a leading regional connector, working alongside global partners to promote sustainable tourism and raise Vietnam’s profile as a premier travel destination worldwide.

About Vietnam Airlines:

Vietnam Airlines – the national flag carrier of Vietnam – is a leading aviation provider in Southeast Asia, currently operating 106 routes to 22 domestic and 36 international destinations across 20 countries.

Vietnam Airlines affirmed its global position by becoming the first Southeast Asian carrier to join the SkyTeam Alliance in 2010. The airline proudly operates one of the most modern and fuel-efficient fleets in Asia, including Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A350, Airbus A321, and Airbus A320neo aircraft.

With a modern fleet and a strong commitment to continuous innovation and development, Vietnam Airlines has been recognized as a leading carrier in the region, receiving numerous prestigious global awards such as:

  • Top 25 Safest Airlines in the World (2025) by AirlineRatings

  • Top 20 Best Airlines in the World (2025) by AirlineRatings

  • Best Value Premium Economy Class (2025) by AirlineRatings

  • 5-Star International Airline (2023, 2024) certified by APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association)

  • Top 20 Best Airlines in the World (2023) by AirlineRatings

  • 4-Star Airline for consecutive years by Skytrax

About Tourism Malaysia:

The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, commonly known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, responsible for promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourist destination. Since its establishment, Tourism Malaysia has become a prominent player in the international tourism landscape.

The upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign will mark Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

In addition, Tourism Malaysia actively supports the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) initiative, aiming to promote the region as an integrated and attractive tourism corridor through the IMT-GT Visit Year 2023–2025.