VietJet’s New Ho Chi Minh City-Manila Route: Why Vietnam and the Philippines Are Set to Dominate Southeast Asian Travel!

Published on December 4, 2025

The Philippines has taken a significant step forward in its efforts to expand regional connectivity as VietJet Air recently launched its direct route between Ho Chi Minh City and Manila. This new service, which began in 2025, is seen as a clear indicator of renewed confidence in the country’s tourism market, according to Christina Garcia-Frasco, the Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT). The addition of this route is expected to enhance the Philippines’ position in capturing a larger share of the growing travel market within Southeast Asia, particularly through deeper connections with Vietnam.

A Symbolic Arrival in Manila

The inaugural flight of VietJet’s direct Ho Chi Minh City-Manila route made a significant impression upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1. At 2:50 a.m. on November 23, 2025, the plane touched down with 213 passengers onboard. To mark the occasion, the flight was greeted by a ceremonial water cannon salute, a traditional gesture celebrating the launch of new services. Passengers on the first flight were treated to a warm welcome by DOT-National Capital Region personnel, who greeted them with leis and cultural performances, providing an authentic Filipino experience right from the moment they stepped off the plane.

VietJet’s new service to the Philippines is a testament to the airline’s commitment to strengthening regional connections. The first return flight, which departed Manila at 3:45 a.m., carried 189 passengers back to Ho Chi Minh City, further demonstrating the demand for this new travel link between the two cities.

Boosting Connectivity and Tourism

VietJet’s addition of this route brings the total number of weekly roundtrip flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Manila to five. Flights are scheduled to operate every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, with return flights departing Manila on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. This regular service will offer greater convenience for both business and leisure travelers between the two countries, helping to bolster tourism and cross-border commerce.

Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco emphasized the importance of the Ho Chi Minh City-Manila service in enhancing the Philippines’ position as a central player in Southeast Asia’s regional travel boom. The new route will play a pivotal role in connecting the Philippines with Vietnam, a rapidly growing tourism market. The country has seen a steady influx of Vietnamese visitors, with the DOT recording 31,085 arrivals from Vietnam from January to November 30, 2025. While this represents a modest 0.60 percent market share, it underscores the growing interest in the Philippines from Vietnamese travelers and the broader Southeast Asian region.

Supporting the Philippines’ Growing Network of International Routes

VietJet’s new service complements the Philippines’ broader effort to expand its international air connectivity. The DOT’s strategy involves strengthening direct flights between the Philippines and key international destinations, making it easier for tourists to visit the country. This strategy aligns with the Philippines’ status as an archipelagic nation, with over 7,641 islands. Air travel is essential for the country’s tourism industry, as more than 99 percent of its international tourism relies on flights.

In addition to the new Ho Chi Minh City-Manila route, other recent developments in the country’s air connectivity include Air India’s newly launched New Delhi-Manila route, as well as new links to Australia, such as the Manila-Perth and Cebu-Brisbane routes. These additions further diversify the Philippines’ international connections and help position the country as a top destination for travelers from across the globe. The establishment of these new routes is part of a larger effort to increase access to the Philippines for tourists, enabling seamless travel from diverse regions and enhancing the country’s global reach.

The Philippines also benefits from a robust network of existing international flights, including connections from major cities in Canada, Paris, and the United States. These international routes play a vital role in attracting tourists, as well as supporting business and trade activities. By building upon these existing connections and continually adding new ones, the Philippines is reinforcing its position as a key destination within Southeast Asia.

Philippine Tourism’s Path Forward

Secretary Frasco highlighted that the Philippines’ goal is not just to increase the number of flights, but to enhance the overall tourist experience for visitors. As an island nation, the Philippines offers a unique opportunity for travelers seeking both leisure and business opportunities. The country’s natural beauty, coupled with its rich cultural heritage, provides a diverse range of experiences for visitors. In addition to improving air travel infrastructure, the DOT is also focused on enhancing tourism-related services and ensuring that visitors can enjoy a seamless and hassle-free travel experience.

The expansion of air links between the Philippines and its regional neighbors like Vietnam plays a key role in meeting the growing demand for travel within Southeast Asia. By connecting the country with more international destinations, the Philippines is positioning itself as an attractive hub for regional travel. This strategy is also in line with broader trends within the ASEAN region, where countries are increasingly focusing on regional cooperation and connectivity to foster economic growth and tourism development.

Looking Ahead: Continued Growth for the Philippines’ Tourism Industry

The addition of the VietJet Ho Chi Minh City-Manila route is just one example of how the Philippines is adapting to the changing landscape of international travel. As global interest in Southeast Asia continues to grow, the Philippines is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend by strengthening its air connectivity and offering diverse, high-quality travel experiences. With more airlines expanding their operations in the country and new routes opening up, the outlook for Philippine tourism remains positive.

The Philippine government’s focus on improving air connectivity and fostering international relationships signals its commitment to developing a robust and sustainable tourism industry. As more travelers choose the Philippines as their destination, the country’s tourism sector is expected to continue to thrive, benefiting from increased exposure and greater access to the global travel market.