Vietnam Airlines (HVN) Launches HCMC-Phuket Direct Route, Expands Thai Partnerships

Overview

Vietnam Airlines (HVN) announced the launch of a direct route from Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket, Thailand, starting July 2, 2026, and signed multiple strategic cooperation agreements with Thai tourism and airport authorities. The move is part of the airline’s broader strategy to expand its international network and capitalize on growing travel demand within ASEAN.

Key Facts

• New direct route Ho Chi Minh City – Phuket begins July 2, 2026.
• Operated with Airbus A321 aircraft, frequency of 4 round trips per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday).
• Total flights between Vietnam and Thailand will increase to 67 per week.
• Signed MOUs with Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Travel Agents Association, Saigontourist Group, and Airports of Thailand.
• Cooperation includes joint marketing campaigns, fam trips for travel agents and media, and real-time flight data sharing at Bangkok airports.
• The route connects Phuket to HVN’s broader network in Northeast Asia, Australia, and Europe via Ho Chi Minh City hub.
• HVN stock closed at VND 21,500 on May 28, 2026, down 1.38% with volume of 318,200 shares.

What Happened

During the Vietnam-Thailand Business Forum held on the occasion of the official visit to Thailand by General Secretary and President To Lam, Vietnam Airlines announced the launch of a direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket. The airline also signed memoranda of understanding with key Thai partners in tourism and aviation.

The agreements cover tourism promotion, destination marketing, and airport operations. Specifically, HVN will collaborate with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Thai Travel Agents Association to develop new tourism products and joint media campaigns. With Airports of Thailand, the airline will enhance passenger experience through real-time data sharing and improved connectivity for transit passengers at Bangkok airports.

Market Context

Vietnam Airlines (HVN), listed on HOSE, has been recovering from the pandemic’s impact on international travel. The new route and partnerships come as ASEAN tourism rebounds, with Thailand being a key market. HVN’s stock closed at VND 21,500 on May 28, 2026, reflecting a slight decline amid broader market conditions. The airline’s expansion into Phuket, a major resort destination, aligns with the sector’s growth trajectory.

Strategic Significance

The Phuket route and strategic partnerships allow HVN to deepen its footprint in Thailand, a critical market for both tourism and business travel. By leveraging its Ho Chi Minh City hub, HVN can funnel passengers from Northeast Asia, Australia, and Europe to Phuket, increasing load factors and ancillary revenue. The MOUs with tourism authorities and airport operators also position HVN to capture a larger share of the growing intra-ASEAN travel market, which is expected to benefit from regional economic integration and visa liberalization.

What to Watch

• Passenger load factors and revenue performance on the new route in Q3 2026.
• Any additional route announcements to other Thai destinations (e.g., Chiang Mai, Krabi).
• Impact of the partnerships on HVN’s international passenger traffic and market share.
• Updates on HVN’s fleet expansion plans to support network growth.
• Competitor responses from other carriers operating Vietnam-Thailand routes.