Vietjet connects Hanoi with Almaty and Prague, enters EU market
The new twice-weekly service, inaugurated on 10 October, uses Airbus A330 aircraft and marks the Vietnamese carrier's entry into the European Union.
Vietjet Expands to Central Asia and Europe
Vietjet, the Vietnamese low-cost carrier, inaugurated its new twice-weekly service connecting Hanoi with Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Prague, Czech Republic, on 10 October 2026. This route marks the airline's official entry into the European Union market and expands air connectivity across three distinct regions.
Ceremonies were held at Almaty International Airport and Václav Havel Airport Prague to commemorate the launch. The airline operates the service on Tuesdays and Saturdays, deploying Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft for the flights.
New Flight Schedule and Connectivity
The new service, flight VJ031, departs Hanoi at 8:25 a.m. local time, arriving in Almaty at 12:50 p.m. After a 90-minute connecting time, the flight continues from Almaty at 2:20 p.m., reaching Prague at 6:55 p.m. local time. The return journey, flight VJ032, leaves Prague at 8:55 p.m. local time, lands in Almaty at 6:40 a.m.
the following day, and then departs for Hanoi at 8:10 a.m., arriving at 4:20 p.m. local time. This strategic move by Vietjet aims to improve travel options and support trade between Europe, Australia, and Asia, according to Vietjet CEO Nguyen Thanh Son.
Strategic Vision and Diplomatic Support
Vietjet CEO Nguyen Thanh Son stated that the launch represents a strategic step into the European market, with plans for further expansion of European services. The airline intends to enhance travel options and foster trade and investment links between Europe, Australia, and Asia.
Duong Hoai Nam, the Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic, welcomed the new air link, describing it as an important bridge between the two countries. He suggested that the service could strengthen bilateral relations and bring their populations closer.
Destination Appeal and Travel Benefits
The newly connected cities offer diverse attractions for travellers. Prague is known for its Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture, historic squares, and cultural heritage. Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, combines urban amenities with access to mountain landscapes. Hanoi serves as a gateway to Vietnam’s history, culture, and natural sites.
The new flights are expected to boost inbound tourism to Vietnam and facilitate outbound travel for Vietnamese citizens. Notably, Vietnamese citizens can visit Kazakhstan without a visa for stays of up to 30 days.
Implications for Asian Travel
This expansion by Vietjet directly benefits Asian travellers and the regional aviation industry by providing new direct routes to Central Asia and Europe. The increased connectivity from Hanoi creates more competitive options for passengers travelling from Southeast Asia to Prague, potentially influencing fare structures on existing routes.
For the Vietnamese tourism sector, the new service is poised to increase visitor arrivals from Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic, supporting economic growth. Future developments to watch include Vietjet's announced plans for further European expansion, which could introduce more direct links from Asian hubs to new European destinations.
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