New route to popular Asian destination

A budget airline has boosted its services to this thriving Asian destination that not only connects more Aussies, but will force cheaper airfares.

A budget airline has boosted its services to this thriving Asian destination that not only connects more Aussies, but will force competitive prices.

Vietnam continues to rise in popularity and given the strong demand, Vietjet has increased its services to and from Australia.

The airline’s inaugural flight from Hanoi to Melbourne landed on Tuesday at Melbourne Airport making it the airline’s sixth route between the two countries.

The route travels between the two cities every Tuesday and Saturday and those in Sydney don’t miss out either with a flight to Hanoi from Sydney Airport set to launch today.

Vietjet officially kicks off Melbourne to Hanoi route. Picture: Vietjet

Those eager to get to the hotpot can do so from just $199 until June 10, for an economy ticket. It comes complete with an additional 20kg checked baggage and an in-flight hot meal.

Meanwhile, there’s a 50 per cent discount from now until June 14 for those willing to splurge in Business Class (with the promo code SBJUNE50). It comes with business lounge access,s, hot and fresh dishes served throughout the flights, and up to 60kg of checked baggage plus a golf set, a private cabin and 180-degree flatbed seats.

Vietjet vice president Nguyen Thi Thuy Binh who was in Melbourne for the inaugural flight from Hanoi on Tuesday said: “Since Vietjet’s first flight to Australia in April 2023, we have continuously expanded our network connecting the five largest cities in Australia: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide with Ho Chi Minh City.”

Dan Andrews (sixth from right) standing with VietJet President and CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao (fifth from right) after the inaugural flight from Hanoi to Melbourne landed on Tuesday at Melbourne Airport.

“The Melbourne – Hanoi route launched today further proves our commitment to development by continuing to expand our network and providing quality services between Australia and Vietnam, meeting the demand of locals and tourists.”

Mr Binh said the new route will help Vietjet further boost its position in the Australian market.

Melbourne – Hanoi is Vietjet’s sixth route connecting Vietnam and Australia.

“We are proud to launch this new route and hope to bring opportunities for Victoria tourists to explore Vietnam and all destinations on our network with 168 routes across Vietnam and internationally.”

Melbourne Airport chief of aviation Jim Parashos said the Vietnamese market growth had been one of the silver linings coming out of the pandemic.

With increased competition and capacity in the market, passengers can expect cheaper airfares.

Currently there’s economy airfares to Vietnam from $199. It comes complete with an additional 20kg checked baggage and an in-flight hot meal.

“The huge growth in the Vietnamese market has been made possible by new air services agreements negotiated by the federal government that have provided capacity ahead of demand,” he said.

“The increased competition and capacity in the market delivers benefits to passengers in the form of cheaper fares, but also provides exporters with access to high value markets.”

He said Vietnam is one of the fastest growing economies in the region and a key trading partner with Australia.

“Here at Melbourne Airport Vietnam sits in our top ten export market with almost three million tonnes of local products being loaded onto aircraft during the last twelve months.”

“VietJet’s Hanoi service will complement its current five times a week service to Ho Chi Minh City and will give Victorians new connections into countries as well as other Asian destinations.

“We know there will be two-way demand for this service, Vietnam is in our top ten outbound destinations, meanwhile the inbound market is supported by strong trade, business and leisure demand.”