VietJet Expands East Asian Footprint with Increased Flights to Japan and China

VietJet, a prominent Vietnamese low-cost carrier (LCC), is enhancing its East Asian network with notable expansions in Japan and China, set to surpass pre-pandemic capacity levels by the northern summer season. This growth highlights VietJet’s commitment to bridging connections between Vietnam and key East Asian markets.

The LCC is gearing up to introduce scheduled flights to Hiroshima, Japan, starting March 31, adding to its already extensive Japanese network. This new route, which will see twice-weekly frequencies from Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport to Hiroshima Airport aboard Airbus A320 aircraft, will be the only direct connection between these destinations.

VietJet initially signaled its intent to service Hiroshima, a significant city on Japan’s Honshu Island, during the G7 Summit in May last year. Since then, the airline has operated charter flights to the city. The transition to a scheduled Hanoi-Hiroshima service marks an expansion of VietJet’s Japanese network to eight routes, including five from Hanoi and three from Ho Chi Minh City.

By early April, VietJet aims to provide approximately 27,558 two-way weekly seats between Vietnam and Japan, accounting for a 34.7% capacity share of this market. This increase in service positions VietJet as a key player in the Vietnam-Japan travel sector, where total capacity will rise by more than 9% compared to pre-pandemic levels.

In addition to the Japanese expansion, VietJet is also bolstering its network in China. The airline is set to inaugurate daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport on February 10. This new connection reinforces transportation and economic ties between Vietnam and China, promoting both trade and tourism.

Currently, VietJet’s presence in mainland China includes a daily service from Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai Pudong International Airport, which commenced in December. The new Ho Chi Minh City-Chengdu route positions VietJet as the sole operator of direct flights in this market, filling the void left by Vietnam Airlines and Sichuan Airlines.

VietJet’s latest route launches come at a time when air travel between Vietnam and China is steadily recovering. According to OAG data, the current capacity stands at about 90,000 two-way weekly seats, roughly 58% of pre-pandemic levels. This figure is expected to exceed 100,000 seats by early February, aligning with the Lunar New Year celebrations.

VietJet’s strategic network expansion in Japan and China illustrates the airline’s focus on increasing its international footprint and offering more travel options to its customers. As travel demand continues to rebound, VietJet’s enhanced connectivity in these key East Asian markets is set to play a significant role in the regional aviation landscape.