Vietnam Airlines Launches First Direct Ho Chi Minh City–Phuket Flight

Written By: Samadrita Mukherjee

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July 6, 2026 09:41 GMT+5:30

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Vietnam Airlines has launched its first direct flight connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket, marking a new phase in air connectivity between Vietnam and Thailand. The inaugural service, operated on 2 July using an Airbus A321, establishes a non-stop link between two major Southeast Asian tourism hubs.

The new route was introduced under a wider cooperation framework between Vietnam Airlines and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on 28 May 2026. The launch also coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Viet Nam, adding strategic importance to the aviation development.

The direct service is expected to support rising passenger demand for leisure travel between two of the region’s most visited tourism destinations.

Inaugural Flight Marks Milestone in Regional Aviation Cooperation

The first flight, VN621, was operated using an Airbus A321 aircraft and carried 152 passengers from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket International Airport. The aircraft departed at 16:00 local time and landed in Phuket at 17:50 local time, completing the first direct scheduled service between the two cities.

The launch ceremony was supported by aviation officials and tourism representatives in both countries, reflecting the importance of the new connection for regional travel growth.

Key operational details of the inaugural service

• Flight number VN621 operated by Vietnam Airlines
• Aircraft type: Airbus A321 used for short-haul international route
• Departure time: 16:00 from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
• Arrival time: 17:50 in Phuket (HKT)
• Passenger load: 152 travellers on inaugural flight
• First-ever direct scheduled route between both cities

The introduction of this service reduces travel time significantly compared to connecting routes, which previously required transit through regional hubs such as Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur.

Strong Tourism Partnership Between Vietnam and Thailand

The new route is part of a broader aviation and tourism cooperation strategy between Vietnam Airlines and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The partnership aims to strengthen bilateral tourism flows, increase passenger traffic, and promote joint destination marketing campaigns.

Thailand remains one of the most popular outbound destinations for Vietnamese travellers, while Vietnam continues to see growing inbound tourism from Thailand.

Objectives of Vietnam–Thailand aviation cooperation

• Strengthening direct connectivity between major tourism destinations
• Promoting joint tourism marketing campaigns
• Increasing passenger flow between Vietnam and Thailand
• Enhancing accessibility for leisure and short-haul travel
• Supporting regional tourism recovery and expansion

The cooperation reflects a wider ASEAN strategy focused on increasing intra-regional travel, which has become one of the fastest-growing aviation segments in Asia.

The agreement signed in May 2026 is expected to support further route development in the coming years.

Arrival Ceremony in Phuket Highlights Tourism Importance

The arrival of the inaugural flight in Phuket was marked with a traditional water cannon salute at Phuket International Airport, a symbolic aviation tradition used to welcome new international routes. The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, airport authorities, and Vietnam Airlines.

Passengers onboard VN621 were also welcomed with cultural hospitality gestures, including floral garlands and commemorative gifts, reflecting Thailand’s tourism branding.

Highlights of the Phuket welcome ceremony

• Water cannon salute performed for inaugural flight arrival
• Official welcome by Phuket International Airport authorities
• Participation of Tourism Authority of Thailand representatives
• Distribution of floral garlands to arriving passengers
• Commemorative gifts presented onboard and at arrival

The ceremony emphasized Phuket’s position as a leading international leisure destination and reinforced Thailand’s focus on tourism-driven economic growth.

Boost for Regional Tourism and Passenger Mobility

The direct connection between Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket is expected to significantly improve travel convenience for both leisure and business passengers. Both cities are key tourism gateways in Southeast Asia, with strong demand from regional and international travellers.

The elimination of transit stops is expected to reduce travel time, increase efficiency, and encourage more frequent travel between the two destinations.

Expected benefits for passengers and tourism sector

• Direct flight connectivity reduces total travel time
• Increased accessibility for holiday and leisure travellers
• Improved flight options between Vietnam and Thailand
• Enhanced tourism flows in both directions
• Stronger competition in Southeast Asia aviation market

Tourism operators expect the route to stimulate demand during peak travel seasons, particularly for beach tourism in Phuket and cultural tourism in southern Vietnam.

The service also strengthens Vietnam Airlines’ position in a highly competitive regional aviation market.

Strategic Importance for ASEAN Aviation Growth

The launch reflects a broader trend of increasing intra-ASEAN connectivity, where airlines are expanding direct routes between secondary cities and major tourism destinations. This strategy supports regional integration and strengthens economic ties through aviation.

Southeast Asia continues to see strong recovery in air travel demand, with tourism-driven routes leading growth across the region.

Regional aviation significance of the new route

• Expands intra-ASEAN direct flight network
• Supports tourism-led economic integration
• Encourages airline competition in regional markets
• Enhances connectivity between major leisure destinations
• Strengthens Vietnam–Thailand aviation cooperation

The Ho Chi Minh City–Phuket route adds to a growing network of short-haul international services designed to meet rising demand for flexible and affordable regional travel.

Vietnam Airlines has officially launched its first direct Ho Chi Minh City–Phuket service, with regular operations expected under its Southeast Asia expansion strategy. The route is anticipated to play a key role in boosting tourism flows between Vietnam and Thailand while supporting broader regional aviation growth.