VietJet to Expand New Route with Tainan-Ho Chi Minh City Flights in December, Revitalising Taiwan-Vietnam Travel and Boosting Tourism

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

The travel and tourism industries in Taiwan and Vietnam are set for a major boost as VietJet Air announces the resumption of its direct flights between Tainan and Ho Chi Minh City. Starting on December 12, 2024, the budget carrier will reintroduce this vital air route, reconnecting two important cities after several years of disrupted service due to the global pandemic.

The relaunch of the Tainan-Ho Chi Minh City flights comes as a beacon of hope for both tourism sectors, signaling a return to normalcy and reigniting cross-border travel between Taiwan and Vietnam. With both countries working hard to recover from the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their tourism industries, this move by VietJet Air is expected to cater to rising demand and further stimulate tourism, trade, and business ties between the two nations.

Resumption of Flights: A Welcome Step After Years of Disruption

VietJet Air, a well-known low-cost carrier in the region, first launched the Ho Chi Minh-Tainan route back in 2016, using a 180-seat Airbus A320 aircraft. Due to strong customer demand and high passenger volumes, the airline expanded its operations and began offering daily flights on a larger 220-seat Airbus A321 aircraft in March 2018. The route quickly became popular with travelers looking for affordable and convenient travel options between southern Taiwan and Vietnam’s bustling Ho Chi Minh City.

However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to widespread travel restrictions and the temporary suspension of many international flights, including the Tainan-Ho Chi Minh City route. While VietJet briefly relaunched the service in January 2023, it was forced to suspend flights shortly afterward due to ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic and changes in travel demand.

With the global situation improving, travel restrictions easing, and vaccination rates rising, VietJet Air is now prepared to resume this crucial route once again. Beginning on December 12, VietJet will offer three weekly flights between Tainan and Ho Chi Minh City, operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This resumption is expected to play a key role in revitalizing tourism and business travel between Taiwan and Vietnam.

Flight Schedule and Details

The new flight schedule is designed to offer maximum convenience for travelers. On the designated days, flights will depart from Ho Chi Minh City at 7:15 a.m. and arrive in Tainan at 11:30 a.m., providing ample time for passengers to make their way to their destinations in southern Taiwan. After a quick turnaround, the return flight will leave Tainan at 12:30 p.m. and arrive back in Ho Chi Minh City at 2:45 p.m., allowing passengers to make the most of their day in Vietnam’s vibrant metropolis.

The city government of Tainan is actively supporting VietJet’s return, with officials promising to collaborate with the airline on promotional campaigns and ensure that the relaunch of the service runs smoothly. This partnership between local authorities and VietJet underscores the importance of the route for both cities, particularly in the context of bolstering tourism and economic ties.

Loss in Tourism Due to Pandemic: The Case of Taiwan and Vietnam

The resumption of flights between Tainan and Ho Chi Minh City comes at a crucial time for Taiwan and Vietnam’s tourism industries, both of which were severely affected by the global pandemic. Before COVID-19 struck, the Taiwan-Vietnam travel corridor was bustling, with thousands of tourists, business travelers, and expatriates flying between the two countries every month. Vietnam was a popular destination for Taiwanese travelers, drawn to its rich history, cultural attractions, and affordable travel options. Likewise, Taiwan was a key destination for Vietnamese tourists and business professionals.

However, the pandemic brought global tourism to a standstill, and Taiwan and Vietnam were no exception. The loss in tourism revenue during 2020 and 2021 was substantial, with both countries grappling with flight cancellations, border closures, and significant drops in international visitor numbers. Vietnam’s once-thriving tourism hotspots, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and the country’s stunning coastal resorts, saw their streets empty and businesses shuttered.

In Taiwan, cities like Tainan—known for its historical sites, cultural heritage, and culinary experiences—saw a dramatic decrease in tourist footfall. The Tainan-Ho Chi Minh City flight route, which had been a lifeline for the local tourism industry, was sorely missed by businesses reliant on international visitors, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and transportation services.

As Taiwan and Vietnam emerge from the pandemic, both countries have been working tirelessly to revive their tourism sectors. VietJet Air’s decision to resume the Tainan-Ho Chi Minh City route is a positive step toward achieving that goal, with the potential to attract a new wave of travelers eager to explore both countries once again.

Promoting Travel Between Taiwan and Vietnam

The resumption of VietJet Air’s Tainan-Ho Chi Minh City flights is expected to have a ripple effect on the tourism industries of both Taiwan and Vietnam. Tainan, as a key cultural and historical hub in Taiwan, is likely to benefit from increased numbers of Vietnamese tourists. Visitors to Tainan can enjoy attractions such as the Chihkan Tower, Anping Old Fort, and Confucius Temple, while also sampling the city’s famous street food and delicacies.

Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City, as Vietnam’s largest city and commercial center, remains a magnet for Taiwanese business travelers and tourists alike. With its dynamic blend of modernity and tradition, Ho Chi Minh City offers travelers a wealth of experiences, from bustling markets to historic landmarks like the War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral.

City officials in Tainan have expressed optimism about the relaunch of the route, noting that it will help facilitate not only tourism but also business and cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Vietnam. In the lead-up to December, the Tainan city government will work closely with VietJet Air to promote the route through marketing campaigns and ensure that travelers are well-informed about the new services.

Impact on the Travel Industry

The impact of VietJet Air’s decision to resume the Tainan-Ho Chi Minh City route will likely be felt across multiple sectors of the travel industry. Budget airlines, in particular, are seeing a surge in demand as travelers look for affordable options after years of limited travel. As more people return to international travel, VietJet’s competitive pricing is expected to attract both leisure and business travelers.

Moreover, travel agencies and tour operators in both Taiwan and Vietnam stand to benefit from the increase in flight capacity between the two cities. Package tours, hotel bookings, and guided tours are likely to see a resurgence as tourists seek organized travel experiences in both countries.

Long-Term Outlook for Taiwan and Vietnam Tourism

While the resumption of the Tainan-Ho Chi Minh City flights is undoubtedly a positive development for both Taiwan and Vietnam’s tourism sectors, there are still challenges ahead. COVID-19 recovery remains uneven globally, and both countries will need to ensure that health and safety measures are in place to protect travelers and local communities.

Nonetheless, the long-term outlook for Taiwan-Vietnam travel looks promising. Both nations have rich tourism potential, and with the reopening of this crucial air route, a new chapter in cross-border travel is beginning. As VietJet Air resumes its flights and tourism rebounds, Taiwan and Vietnam will likely see a strengthening of their tourism and business ties, contributing to a more vibrant and dynamic travel landscape in the region.

• DGCA issues advisory to airlines on rudder system risks in Boeing 737 aircraft

• Norse Atlantic Breaks Record with Highest Load Factor in History, Celebrates Over Two Million Tickets Sold Since Inception

• Routes World 2024 Kicks Off Today in Bahrain, Bringing Together Global Aviation Leaders

• New airlines updates: IndiGo issues travel advisory amid nation-wide outage

• Changes in Southwest Airlines’ seating arrangement? What you need to know?