Vietnam Airlines Launches First Direct Ho Chi Minh to Copenhagen Flight

HO CHI MINH- Vietnam Airlines (VN) is set to commence its inaugural direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Copenhagen (CPH), establishing a significant non-stop link between Vietnam and Northern Europe. This new route, scheduled to launch on December 15, aims to bolster travel, trade, and cultural exchanges.

The flight service will utilize the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and will operate three times weekly, catering to the rising demand from tourists, families, and the business sector.

The new route represents a substantial expansion of Vietnam Airlines’ international network, creating the first direct air service linking Vietnam with Northern Europe.

Outbound flights are scheduled to depart Ho Chi Minh City every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with return flights from Copenhagen on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

According to Đặng Anh Tuấn, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines, this new route aligns with the airline’s strategic vision of enhancing global connectivity while supporting Vietnam’s growing economic and tourism sectors.

This route also serves the Vietnamese community in Denmark, which is estimated to comprise over 70,000 individuals.

Copenhagen (CPH) stands as the busiest aviation hub in Northern Europe and a vital base for Scandinavian Airlines (SK), facilitating easy travel to neighboring countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Finland, making it an ideal gateway for passengers traveling to the Nordic region via Vietnam Airlines.

As reported by Vietnam News, this new route is anticipated to further enhance bilateral relations, trade, and tourism between Vietnam and Denmark.

Strategic Expansion

In response to post-pandemic demand, Vietnam Airlines continues to expand its international network. The carrier has disclosed plans to restore 15 international routes, targeting high-demand destinations such as Italy, Russia, China, the UAE, Japan, South Korea, and India.

Within Europe, Vietnam Airlines presently offers direct flights to the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Russia.

Starting in July, a new route connecting Hà Nội (HAN) to Milan (MXP) will operate three times a week, with further intentions to establish services from HCM City to Milan post-2025.

The airline has also made strides in Southeast Asia, with the introduction of a new route from Ho Chi Minh City to Bali (DPS), supplementing its existing Jakarta (CGK) service.

In early June, the airline launched a daily nonstop service between Nha Trang (CXR) and Busan (PUS) using Airbus A321 aircraft, further strengthening its connectivity in South Korea.

Demand and Challenges

Vietnam Airlines is optimizing its existing routes, including those between HCM City and Singapore (SIN) and HCM City and Bangkok (BKK), to accommodate the growing demand for travel in the region.

In the first five months of this year, the airline experienced a 10% year-over-year growth in passenger traffic, indicating a rebound in the aviation sector.

However, the airline faces notable challenges, including a scarcity of aircraft caused by global Pratt & Whitney engine recalls and fluctuating fuel prices linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions, which are testing its operational capacity.

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