Vietnamese low-cost airline VietJet Air (VJ) has announced new non-stop flights connecting Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) with Bengaluru (BLR) and Hyderabad (HYD) in India. These flights, set to commence in March 2025, mark a historic milestone as they introduce the first-ever direct air link between Vietnam and these two bustling Indian cities.
This expansion strengthens VietJet’s growing presence in India, offering more travel options for Indian passengers while boosting tourism and business ties between the two countries.
VietJet’s New India Flight Schedule
Bengaluru – Ho Chi Minh City (From 19th March 2025)
VietJet will operate three weekly flights on this route, providing direct connectivity between Vietnam’s economic hub and India’s tech capital.
- Flight VJ 1801: Departs from Ho Chi Minh City at 7:20 PM local time, arriving in Bengaluru at 10:30 PM IST. (Flight duration: 4 hours 50 minutes)
- Return Flight VJ 1802: Departs from Bengaluru at 11:30 PM IST, arriving in Ho Chi Minh City at 6:00 AM local time the next day. (Flight duration: 4 hours 55 minutes)
- Total distance: 3,161 km (1,707 nautical miles)
Hyderabad – Ho Chi Minh City (From 18th March 2025)
VietJet will operate two weekly flights between Hyderabad and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Flight VJ 1803: Departs from Ho Chi Minh City at 7:40 PM local time, arriving in Hyderabad at 10:35 PM IST. (Flight duration: 4 hours 25 minutes)
- Return Flight VJ 1804: Departs from Hyderabad at 11:35 PM IST, arriving in Ho Chi Minh City at 5:30 AM local time the next day. (Flight duration: 4 hours 25 minutes)
- Total distance: 3,127 km (1,688 nautical miles)
Aircraft and Seating Configuration
VietJet will operate these flights using Airbus A321 aircraft, available in two variants:
- A321-200
- A321neo
Both models have an all-economy configuration, with seating capacities ranging from 220 to 240 passengers.
VietJet’s Growing Network in India
With the addition of Bengaluru and Hyderabad, VietJet Air now serves six major Indian cities. The airline already operates flights to:
- Delhi and Mumbai from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
- Ahmedabad from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang
- Kochi from Ho Chi Minh City
The airline previously operated flights to Tiruchirappalli (TRZ) in Tamil Nadu but discontinued the route in March 2024 due to low demand.
VietJet’s competitive fares, direct connectivity, and expanding route network make it a preferred choice for Indian travelers seeking affordable flights to Vietnam and beyond.
Why This Expansion Matters?
Boosting Regional Tourism & Business Travel
Vietnam has seen a surge in Indian tourists, thanks to its affordable travel options, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Bengaluru and Hyderabad were previously lacking non-stop flights to Vietnam, making these new routes a game-changer for travelers from South India.
Additionally, these direct connections will facilitate business and trade exchanges between Vietnam and India, fostering stronger economic ties.
Vietnam’s Strategy to Attract Indian Tourists
Vietnam is actively promoting itself as a top travel destination for Indian tourists by:
- Offering visa-on-arrival facilities for Indian passport holders
- Introducing Indian cuisine and cultural events in Vietnam
- Strengthening connectivity through airlines like VietJet and Vietnam Airlines
Convenient Onward Connections
VietJet Air’s extensive network provides passengers with seamless onward connections to 19 domestic and 32 international destinations, including:
- Australia (with special baggage allowances for Indian passengers)
- Other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia
This makes VietJet an attractive option for Indian travelers heading beyond Vietnam.
Why These Flights Were Delayed Before?
VietJet had previously announced plans to operate flights to Bengaluru and Hyderabad in 2022, but the flights were delayed due to regulatory constraints.
- July 2022: VietJet announced direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang to Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, scheduled to begin between September and October 2022.
- However, only Ahmedabad flights launched, while flights to Hyderabad and Bengaluru were suspended due to lack of bilateral air service approvals.
The issue was related to Vietnam’s bilateral air agreements with India, which initially restricted Vietnamese carriers to 28 weekly flights to India. Since VietJet was already operating 28 weekly flights to Delhi and Mumbai, there was no room for new routes.
How Was This Issue Resolved?
In 2024, the bilateral agreement was revised, increasing the weekly flight allowance from 28 to 42 flights. This expansion finally made it possible for VietJet to launch flights to Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
The Future of India-Vietnam Aviation
Vietnam Airlines (VN) May Expand to South India
Vietnam Airlines has hinted at launching flights to Bengaluru, given the newly expanded air service agreement. The airline is also planning to upgrade its India operations by deploying larger aircraft like Airbus A350-900s and Boeing 787-9s to Delhi and Mumbai.
VietJet’s Future Growth Plans
With this new expansion, VietJet is expected to:
- Add more Indian destinations in the coming years
- Increase flight frequencies on high-demand routes
- Strengthen its position as the largest airline between India and Vietnam
VietJet Air’s decision to launch non-stop flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Bengaluru & Hyderabad is a major step in improving air connectivity between Vietnam and South India. This move will enhance tourism, boost trade, and offer budget-friendly travel options for Indian passengers.
As Vietnam continues to attract more Indian travelers with its visa-friendly policies and cultural initiatives, these new routes are expected to see strong demand. With Vietnam Airlines also planning further expansion, India-Vietnam air travel is set to grow significantly in the coming years.
