Published on December 22, 2025

Vietnam’s aviation industry is entering a new era of expansion in 2026, with several new flight routes and deals announced by the country’s major airlines. From Vietnam Airlines to Vietjet Air and Sun PhuQuoc Airways, the country is ramping up its air travel network, offering more destinations and greater convenience for travelers. These new routes aim to enhance connectivity between Vietnam and the rest of the world, positioning the country as a key player in the Southeast Asia travel market. Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, there are exciting opportunities to explore in 2026.
One of the most anticipated new routes from Vietnam is the launch of Vietnam Airlines’ direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Starting August 2026, this new service will operate three times a week, providing the first direct link between the two cities. This new addition to Vietnam Airlines’ network is significant, as it opens up travel opportunities between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, enhancing tourism and business exchanges between the two nations. Travelers will benefit from more efficient, direct connections without the need for lengthy layovers in third cities. This service will also cater to the growing demand for Southeast Asia to South Asia connectivity.
Vietnam’s growing aviation infrastructure is set to play a key role in these developments, with the launch of Long Thanh International Airport in mid‑2026. The new airport, located in Dong Nai Province, is expected to become a major hub for Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways. Long Thanh is designed to accommodate an increasing number of international and domestic flights, boosting Vietnam’s capacity as a regional aviation hub.
In 2025, Vietnam Airlines and other local carriers began preparing for commercial operations at the new airport, which is expected to see regular flight schedules ramp up through 2026. The airport’s cutting-edge facilities and strategic location near Ho Chi Minh City will make it a vital gateway for international travelers. Vietnam Airlines will likely offer more direct flights to global destinations from Long Thanh starting in 2026, including expanded routes to Asia, Europe, and possibly Australia.
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As Vietnam’s leading low-cost carrier, Vietjet Air is expanding its network with new routes and increased frequencies. One significant route to watch in 2026 is the potential upgrade of Bengaluru (India) to Ho Chi Minh City services. Currently a seasonal offering, this route is expected to be upgraded to daily flights in 2026, reflecting the growing demand for travel between India and Vietnam. This will not only make travel more accessible but also create more business and tourism opportunities between the two countries.
Vietjet Air is also ramping up its domestic services in Vietnam. The airline is expanding its network to more cities and increasing frequencies on popular routes between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. These routes are essential for both business and leisure travel, and Vietjet’s low-cost approach will ensure that they remain accessible to a broader range of travelers. The airline’s expanding network will make it easier for locals and tourists alike to explore Vietnam and beyond in 2026.
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Another exciting development in Vietnam’s aviation scene is the launch of Sun PhuQuoc Airways, a new leisure airline that began operations in late 2025. The airline, backed by the Sun Group, focuses on domestic and regional tourism, with initial routes connecting Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Nha Trang. As the airline grows into 2026, we can expect it to expand its services further, both domestically and internationally, providing affordable travel options for tourists looking to visit Vietnam’s most beautiful destinations.
The introduction of Sun PhuQuoc Airways is a game-changer for Vietnam’s tourism industry. With more routes connecting Phu Quoc and other leisure destinations, the airline is poised to attract more visitors to Vietnam’s islands, boosting the local tourism economy.
Vietnam’s global connections are also improving thanks to international carriers that are expanding their operations into the country. For instance, United Airlines has announced plans to begin flights to Ho Chi Minh City in late 2025, with operations continuing into 2026. This expansion will create more direct travel options for those flying between the United States and Vietnam. The increased connectivity will enhance business and tourism opportunities for travelers on both sides of the Pacific.
Additionally, Vietjet’s subsidiary, Vietjet Thailand, has launched new routes from Bangkok to destinations in India and Vietnam, which will play an important role in growing travel links between Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expansion of Vietjet Thailand services into India, including Kolkata and Chennai, is expected to foster more tourism and business exchanges between these regions, benefiting both India and Vietnam in the long term.
The exciting launch of Long Thanh International Airport and the expansion of Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air services represent just a small part of the country’s growing aviation infrastructure. By 2026, Vietnam will have not only expanded its flight routes but also upgraded its airport infrastructure, offering smoother travel experiences for both domestic and international passengers. The expansion of both low-cost carriers and full-service airlines will continue to shape the future of air travel in Vietnam.
With Long Thanh International Airport at the center of these developments, the Vietnamese aviation industry is on track to become one of the most competitive in Southeast Asia, connecting travelers from around the world to the country’s vibrant cities and scenic destinations.
Vietnam’s aviation sector is set to undergo a significant transformation in 2026, with new flight routes, increased frequencies, and new airlines bringing more travel options to both domestic and international passengers. The growth of Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and the emergence of Sun PhuQuoc Airways highlights the country’s commitment to expanding its global reach and enhancing the passenger experience.
As Vietnam continues to grow as a regional aviation hub, travelers can look forward to more direct flights, competitive fares, and enhanced services that make traveling to and from Vietnam easier than ever before. With an expanding network of destinations, Vietnam’s aviation market is poised to be a key player in the Southeast Asia travel landscape throughout 2026 and beyond.
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Tags: Ho Chi Minh City, international flights, Long Thanh International Airport, new flight routes, Sri Lanka
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