Vietjet to Launch Ho Chi Minh City–Western Sydney Flights in 2027

Overview

Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company (VJC) announced a strategic cooperation with Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) to operate a direct route from Ho Chi Minh City to Western Sydney, with services beginning in early 2027. The agreement was formalized on August 10, 2026, during a state visit by Vietnam’s General Secretary and President Tô Lâm to Australia. This makes Vietjet one of the first airlines to operate at WSI, which is set to open in late 2026.

Key Facts

• Vietjet will operate two flights per week between Ho Chi Minh City and Western Sydney, starting early 2027.
• The strategic cooperation agreement was signed on August 10, 2026, during the state visit of General Secretary and President Tô Lâm to Australia.
• Western Sydney International Airport is scheduled to begin passenger operations on October 25, 2026.
• WSI covers 1,780 hectares, has a 3.7 km runway, and is approved for 24/7 operations.
• Initial capacity is designed for about 10 million passengers per year, with long-term potential to expand to 82 million.
• Over 70,000 Vietnamese people live in western Sydney, a key catchment for the new route.
• WSI is Australia’s first new major international airport built from scratch in over half a century.

What Happened

Vietjet and Western Sydney International Airport have entered into a strategic cooperation agreement to launch a direct air route connecting Ho Chi Minh City with the new airport in western Sydney. The announcement was made on August 10, 2026, coinciding with the state visit of Vietnam’s top leader to Australia. According to WSI, Vietjet is among the first airlines to commit to operating at the new airport.

The route is scheduled to commence in early 2027, with two weekly flights. WSI, located at Badgerys Creek, is expected to begin passenger services on October 25, 2026. The airport is designed to handle both international and domestic flights, as well as cargo, and will initially have a capacity of around 10 million passengers annually, with plans to expand significantly over the long term.

Market Context

Vietjet (HOSE: VJC) closed at VND 124,500 on August 22, 2026. The airline has been expanding its international network, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. This new route to Western Sydney adds to Vietjet’s existing Australian operations, which currently serve Sydney (Kingsford Smith), Melbourne, and Brisbane. The move comes as Australia’s aviation market is growing, and WSI’s opening provides a new gateway to the western part of Sydney, an area with a substantial Vietnamese community.

Strategic Significance

This partnership is strategically significant for Vietjet as it positions the airline as a pioneer at a major new airport, potentially securing favorable slots and first-mover advantages. The route taps into a large Vietnamese diaspora in western Sydney, which could drive strong demand for travel between Vietnam and Australia. Additionally, WSI’s 24/7 operations and modern infrastructure may offer operational efficiencies and growth opportunities for Vietjet as it expands its international footprint. The cooperation also aligns with broader Vietnam–Australia economic ties, as highlighted by the timing of the announcement during a high-level state visit.

What to Watch

• Official launch date and ticket sales for the Ho Chi Minh City–Western Sydney route, expected in early 2027.
• Vietjet’s fleet allocation and any additional routes to WSI or other Australian destinations.
• Passenger load factors and forward bookings for the new route in the first few months of operation.
• WSI’s operational performance and any capacity constraints or expansions that could affect Vietjet’s plans.
• Regulatory approvals and bilateral air service agreements between Vietnam and Australia that may impact future frequency or capacity.