A Vietnam Airlines aircraft at Nội Bài International Airport, Hà Nội. Vietnamese airlines have significantly expanded their international networks over the years. — VNS Photo Bồ Xuân Hiệp

HCM CITY — Vietnamese airlines have significantly expanded their international networks in response to the nation’s growing economy and the rising demand for air travel.

National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has recently launched direct flights connecting HCM City to Bali, Indonesia, known for its lively culture and breathtaking beaches.

The new route marks the airline’s second connection to Indonesia, alongside its current service to Jakarta. 

Initially, there will be four round-trip flights each week on the new route (on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday). 

As demand is set to grow, daily flights are planned to commence by July 2025.

Vietnam Airlines is also introducing a nonstop service linking Nha Trang, a beach resort in south-central Việt Nam, to Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city. 

The new route will be serviced daily by Airbus A321 aircraft, making it easier for South Korean tourists to explore the beauty of Nha Trang.

The carrier is also set to launch a new service from Hà Nội to Milan, Italy, with three weekly round-trip flights. 

Plans are also underway for additional direct flights from HCM City to Milan after 2025, marking a significant expansion into the European market.

To meet the rising demand for air travel, Vietnam Airlines is also enhancing its services on existing routes. 

For instance, the HCM City–Singapore route will see an increase to 18 flights a week, with extra flights added on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from June through October.

Similarly, the HCM City–Bangkok route will benefit from daily flights from August 18 to October 25.

During the peak summer season, Vietnam Airlines expects to operate over 43,000 flights, offering nearly 9 million seats, up 14 per cent over last year. 

The airline said it was focusing on early morning and late-night flights to make the most of its capacity.

Meanwhile, budget airline Vietjet Air is also expanding its international network. 

They have lately announced a new route between HCM City and Brisbane, Australia, with flights scheduled for Mondays and Fridays starting mid-June. 

Earlier, they launched a route connecting Singapore and Phú Quốc, offering four round-trip flights each week.

Starting July 1, Vietjet Air will further enhance its international network by connecting Hà Nội with Chengdu and Xi’an in China. 

They are also boosting flight frequencies on popular routes such as HCM City to Melbourne/Sydney and Hà Nội to Mumbai/New Delhi, among others. 

Overall, Vietjet expects to add over 400,000 seats and 1,600 flights this summer.

The first five months have already seen a 10 per cent year-on-year increase in air passenger transport, showing signs of the aviation market’s recovery. 

However, challenges remain, including a shortage of aircraft due to engine recalls from Pratt & Whitney and rising fuel prices as a result of ongoing global conflicts. — VNS