VietJet Introduces Ho Chi Minh City-Auckland Route
VietJet is set to make history as it launches its first nonstop flight from Vietnam to New Zealand in seven years. The low-cost carrier (LCC) announced plans for a new Ho Chi Minh City-Auckland service that will operate four times per week, beginning this September. This milestone marks a significant expansion of VietJet’s international network and reinforces the airline’s commitment to growing its presence across the Asia-Pacific region.
The announcement was made during a high-profile event attended by top leaders, including Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Senior officials and business leaders from both countries were also in attendance, underlining the importance of the new route in strengthening bilateral ties. New Zealand’s Prime Minister Luxon highlighted the broader benefits of the service, stating that the new flights will create numerous opportunities not only in tourism but also in trade and education.
The Ho Chi Minh City-Auckland route covers an impressive 5,502 miles (4,781 nautical miles) and reconnects the two nations after a long hiatus. Prior to this announcement, nonstop flights between Vietnam and New Zealand were last operated by Air New Zealand during three consecutive summer seasons, ending in October 2018. Since then, travelers have had to rely on connecting flights, which made the new direct service even more significant for the region.
Recent data from Sabre Market Intelligence shows robust demand for travel between Vietnam and New Zealand, with origin-and-destination (O&D) traffic totaling approximately 63,000 two-way passengers in 2024. The majority of these passengers traveled on the Ho Chi Minh City-Auckland and Hanoi-Auckland routes. Singapore, Guangzhou, and Sydney emerged as the largest one-stop markets, illustrating the diverse travel patterns between the two countries. Notably, in 2018, when nonstop service was last available, O&D traffic between Vietnam and New Zealand reached about 66,000 passengers. At that time, Air New Zealand cited issues with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines on its Boeing 787 fleet as the primary reason for suspending its direct service on the Ho Chi Minh City-Auckland route.
VietJet’s entry into the New Zealand market is part of its broader strategy to expand its Asia-Pacific operations. The airline has already established a strong presence in Australia, launching services from Ho Chi Minh City to major Australian cities including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth, as well as routes connecting Hanoi to Melbourne and Sydney. Currently, VietJet operates roughly 16,400 two-way seats between Vietnam and Australia, holding an impressive 48% market share, significantly outperforming competitors such as Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar.
The new Ho Chi Minh City-Auckland flight is expected to enhance travel convenience for passengers seeking direct access between Vietnam and New Zealand. This service will not only boost tourism but also provide essential connectivity for business and educational exchanges between the two nations. As VietJet continues to expand its international network, the airline is poised to become a leading player in the Asia-Pacific travel market, offering competitive fares and reliable service.
The launch of the nonstop HCMC-Auckland route by VietJet represents a pivotal development for international air travel between Vietnam and New Zealand. With strong backing from government leaders and robust market demand, this new service is set to redefine connectivity in the region and open up a world of opportunities for travelers across Asia-Pacific.
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