Vietnam Airlines Boosts Southeast Asia–India Tourism Sector With Direct Flights To Bengaluru And Hyderabad

Bengaluru and Hyderabad in India get direct flights to Vietnam as Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet expand routes, boosting tourism and regional connectivity.

Vietnam Airlines, the national flag carrier of Vietnam, is preparing to launch direct flights from Hanoi to two of India’s prominent tech and cultural hubs—Bengaluru and Hyderabad—starting in May 2025. This move is part of the airline’s broader strategy to enhance connectivity between Vietnam and key global markets, especially South Asia, which has seen a surge in travel demand in recent years. These new routes are aimed at tapping into the growing interest in travel between Vietnam and India for both tourism and business purposes.

The Hanoi–Hyderabad route is scheduled to begin operations on May 7, with three round-trip flights offered weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The direct Hanoi–Bengaluru route is also expected to begin around the same time, providing passengers with convenient travel options that bypass traditional layovers in other Asian hubs. Vietnam Airlines will deploy the Airbus A321 aircraft on both routes, ensuring a comfortable and efficient flying experience for travelers. This aircraft model is well-suited for medium-haul international routes and reflects the airline’s commitment to maintaining quality service while expanding its reach.

This development follows a similar move by Vietjet, Vietnam’s leading private airline, which recently launched direct flights connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Bengaluru and Hyderabad. These services began on March 18, 2025, and are already in operation. Vietjet is currently operating two round-trip flights per week between Ho Chi Minh City and Hyderabad, and three round-trip flights weekly on the Ho Chi Minh City–Bengaluru route. These new connections are designed to cater to increasing demand from Indian travelers exploring Vietnam, as well as Vietnamese citizens interested in visiting India for tourism, education, healthcare, and business opportunities.

Vietjet’s expansion into the Indian market has been notably successful. Since the launch of its Vietnam–India routes, the airline has operated over 8,300 flights and transported close to 1.62 million passengers. These numbers underscore the airline’s pivotal role in enhancing air travel between the two countries, fostering stronger bilateral relations, and supporting the tourism sectors of both nations.

India has rapidly become one of Vietnam’s most significant source markets for tourism. In 2024 alone, Vietnam welcomed over 500,000 Indian visitors, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year. This growth has helped position India as one of the top 10 international tourism markets for Vietnam, reflecting the increasing cultural, economic, and personal exchanges between the two nations. This upward trend in travel is also bolstered by the rising middle class in India, improved visa policies, and the appeal of Vietnam’s rich heritage, cuisine, and natural beauty.

The launch of these new direct flight routes is expected to further fuel this momentum, making travel between the two countries easier, faster, and more accessible. These developments not only benefit tourism but also pave the way for enhanced business collaboration, educational exchange, and cultural understanding. Both Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are playing a vital role in strengthening the aviation bridge between Southeast Asia and South Asia, ensuring that travelers have more options and greater convenience when flying between these dynamic regions.