Vietjet Air has announced the launch of its first-ever European route, introducing scheduled services between Hanoiand Prague beginning October 10, 2026.
The new service marks a significant milestone for the Vietnamese low-cost carrier as it expands beyond Asia-Pacific operations into the European market, reflecting growing demand for affordable long-haul travel between Southeast Asia and Europe.
Operating twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays using an Airbus A330 aircraft, the Hanoi–Prague route will make Prague Vietjet’s inaugural European destination and position the airline among a small but growing group of low-cost carriers operating intercontinental services between Asia and Europe.
Expanding Connectivity Between Vietnam and Central Europe
According to the airline, the service will operate with a technical stop in Almaty due to current fleet operating considerations.
Flights are scheduled to depart Hanoi at 08:25 local time and arrive in Prague at 18:55. The return service will depart Prague at 20:55 and arrive back in Hanoi at 16:20 the following day.
The new route is expected to strengthen tourism, business, and diaspora connectivity between Vietnam and the Czech Republic while creating additional travel options for passengers across Europe seeking affordable access to Southeast Asia.
Industry observers note that the launch addresses longstanding demand between Prague and Hanoi, a route historically dependent on one-stop connections through Gulf and Asian hub airports.
According to Jiri Pos, more than 75,000 passengers travelled between Prague and Hanoi during 2025, highlighting strong underlying market demand.
The Czech Republic is also home to a significant Vietnamese community, with Prague estimated to have approximately 70,000 Vietnamese residents as of 2024, making it the country’s third-largest ethnic minority group.
Affordable Long-Haul Travel Gains Momentum
The launch reflects the growing emergence of low-cost carriers within the long-haul Asia-Europe aviation market, traditionally dominated by full-service international airlines.
While legacy carriers continue to control a large share of Europe–Asia traffic, budget airlines are increasingly exploring selective long-haul routes supported by efficient next-generation aircraft and rising demand for lower-cost international travel options.
In addition to Vietjet, airlines such as Scoot and AirAsia have also expanded into European markets through destinations including Athens, Vienna, and Istanbul.
The new Prague route is expected to provide European travellers with a more affordable one-stop gateway to Vietnam as well as onward connections to other destinations across Vietjet’s regional network in Asia.
Competitive Fare Structure Targets Leisure Travellers
Vietjet stated that promotional all-inclusive Eco fares for the Hanoi–Prague route will begin from approximately US$405 one way.
The airline’s Deluxe fare category, which includes benefits such as 40 kilograms of checked baggage, 10 kilograms of cabin baggage, hot meals, seat selection, and flexible ticket changes, will start from around US$459 one way.
For travellers seeking a premium low-cost experience, Vietjet will also offer its Skyboss product, which includes upgraded seating, priority airport services, complimentary meals, and enhanced baggage allowances.
According to the airline, a round-trip Skyboss package on the route is expected to cost approximately US$1,300.
Industry comparisons indicate that existing round-trip fares between Prague and Hanoi via connecting carriers currently average around US$900 with Qatar Airways, approximately US$1,100 with Emirates, and about US$1,350 with Turkish Airlines.
European Expansion Signals Long-Term Growth Strategy
Nguyen Thanh Son confirmed that the Prague service forms part of a broader European expansion strategy for the airline, with additional routes planned linking both Vietnam and Thailand to destinations across Europe.
The expansion plans are supported by Vietjet’s growing aircraft order pipeline. During the 2025 Paris Air Show 2025, the airline placed an order for 100 Airbus A321neo aircraft with options for an additional 50 aircraft.
Vietjet also committed to acquiring 20 additional Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, increasing its total widebody aircraft order to 40.
Industry analysts note that the A330neo’s extended range capability of up to 13,300 kilometres could eventually allow Vietjet to operate non-stop flights to Western Europe once newer aircraft enter service.
The current technical stop in Almaty is viewed largely as a short-term operational measure linked to existing fleet limitations rather than long-term route strategy.
Vietnam Continues to Strengthen Global Tourism Connectivity
The new service comes as Vietnam continues to strengthen its international tourism and aviation connectivity amid rising inbound visitor demand and expanding outbound travel from Southeast Asia.
Vietnam has increasingly emerged as one of Asia’s fastest-growing tourism markets, attracting international travellers with its cultural heritage, coastal destinations, gastronomy, and competitive travel pricing.
Industry experts believe Vietjet’s European expansion reflects the growing maturity of Vietnam’s aviation sector and the increasing confidence of Asian low-cost carriers in operating long-haul international routes.
The Hanoi–Prague service is also expected to support tourism growth in both directions by improving accessibility for European leisure travellers exploring Southeast Asia and for Vietnamese travellers seeking affordable travel options to Europe.
