Vietnam Airlines is expanding its international network with two significant additions for the summer season. The carrier announced plans to launch non-stop service between Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and Phuket, Thailand (HKT), and a new route connecting Hanoi (HAN) to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS).
Ho Chi Minh City – Phuket Route
The new Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket route will operate four times weekly, beginning on . Vietnam Airlines will utilize Airbus A321 aircraft for this service, operating under the flight number VN621 from SGN at arriving at HKT at , and VN622 from HKT at arriving at SGN at . The launch comes as Thailand anticipates a surge in tourism, with 86 airlines applying for over 270,000 flight slots to and from the country for the season, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
Hanoi – Amsterdam Route
Vietnam Airlines will also inaugurate flights between Hanoi and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport this summer. The route will be served by Airbus A350 aircraft, marking the carrier’s debut in the Netherlands. Flights will operate three times weekly, starting on . This expansion builds upon Vietnam Airlines’ existing European network, which currently includes service to Frankfurt and Paris.
The launch of the Hanoi-Amsterdam route is facilitated by Vietnam Airlines’ membership in the SkyTeam alliance, and is expected to benefit from a partnership with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, also a SkyTeam member. Schiphol Airport noted that the new service will create “an inspiring bridge between Vietnam and the Netherlands.” Currently, no airline directly connects Vietnam and the Netherlands, with existing options requiring connections through China or Hong Kong via carriers like China Eastern, China Southern, and Cathay Pacific.
Context and Competition at Schiphol
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is known for its limited slot availability, making new route launches particularly noteworthy. Vietnam Airlines joins LATAM and Thai Airways as new operators at the airport, with LATAM adding service from São Paulo and Thai Airways from Bangkok. This increased competition highlights the airport’s continued appeal as a key European hub, despite its capacity constraints.
The addition of these routes reflects a broader trend of airline expansion in the Asia-Pacific region and increased connectivity between Asia and Europe. Vietnam Airlines’ strategic moves position it to capitalize on growing demand for travel in both leisure and business sectors. The airline’s use of both narrow-body (A321) and wide-body (A350) aircraft demonstrates a tailored approach to route development, matching capacity to anticipated demand.
Vietnam Airlines and SkyTeam
Vietnam Airlines’ participation in the SkyTeam alliance is a crucial element of its international strategy. SkyTeam facilitates code-sharing agreements, frequent flyer program reciprocity, and coordinated scheduling, enhancing the airline’s ability to offer seamless travel experiences to its passengers. The partnership with KLM on the Hanoi-Amsterdam route is a prime example of how SkyTeam membership can drive success for its member airlines.
The airline’s expansion also comes amidst a generally positive outlook for the aviation industry, with increasing passenger numbers and a recovery in international travel following the disruptions of recent years. The launch of these new routes signals confidence in the continued growth of the market and Vietnam Airlines’ ability to compete effectively in the global aviation landscape.
