Vietnam and Denmark have agreed to encourage direct flights between the two countries as they strengthen cooperation on transport, tourism and green development.
The countries established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on 20 October 2026 during Vietnamese leader Tô Lâm’s state visit to Denmark. Their joint statement calls for airlines to explore direct routes between Vietnam, Denmark and other suitable Northern European locations.
The announcement creates opportunities for closer travel links between Southeast Asia and Scandinavia. However, the governments have not announced a specific new direct route, launch date or flight schedule.
Alongside the diplomatic agreement, Vietnam Airlines signed aviation cooperation agreements involving Scandinavian Airlines and Copenhagen Airport. Vietnamese travel company Vietravel also agreed to work with Danish travel business Nordic Travel Associates.
Direct Flights Remain an Ambition
Vietnam and Denmark want stronger transport connections to support commercial, cultural and tourism exchanges. Their joint statement encourages airlines to consider direct services that match market demand and regulatory requirements.
A future non-stop route could reduce journey complexity for some passengers travelling between the two countries. It could also give visitors from neighbouring Nordic markets more options through Copenhagen.
However, travellers should not assume direct services have already started. Airlines must announce routes, schedules, fares and ticket availability before passengers can book them.
The agreement also refers to the aviation framework between the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Individual services would still need to meet applicable rules and commercial requirements.
Airlines Explore Closer Cooperation
Vietnam Airlines and Scandinavian Airlines signed a memorandum to expand codeshare cooperation. The agreement also covers passenger and cargo transport, frequent-flyer programmes, corporate customers and distribution technology.
Codeshare arrangements allow an airline to market certain flights operated by another carrier. They can give customers more itinerary choices, although available routes and conditions depend on each agreement.
Vietnam Airlines also signed a memorandum with Copenhagen Airport to strengthen cooperation in aviation and airport operations. The announcement does not confirm a new non-stop Vietnam–Copenhagen service.
For travellers, the immediate benefit will depend on the partners’ future commercial decisions. Passengers should check operating airlines, connection times, baggage rules and ticket conditions before booking.
The agreements could also help businesses explore travel between Vietnam and Scandinavia. Any increase in passenger numbers will depend on schedules, pricing and demand.
Travel Companies Plan Product Development
Vietravel and Nordic Travel Associates signed a cooperation agreement covering strategy and product development. The agreement forms part of a wider set of documents exchanged during the Copenhagen visit.
Closer cooperation could help travel businesses develop itineraries for customers interested in Vietnam and the Nordic region. It may also create opportunities for hotels, guides and attractions seeking international visitors.
However, the announcement does not establish specific new tour packages or launch dates. Travellers should wait for operators to publish confirmed itineraries, prices and booking terms.
Vietnam offers a variety of experiences for visitors, including the historic streets of Hoi An, cultural sites in Huế and landscapes around Ninh Binh. Denmark and its Nordic neighbours offer their own cultural and nature-based attractions for Vietnamese visitors.
Green Cooperation and Tourism Potential
The new partnership builds on the countries’ Green Strategic Partnership, established in 2023. Both governments intend to continue cooperation on climate, energy, environmental protection and sustainable development.
Their joint statement also encourages local authorities to develop projects in areas including green transport, culture and tourism. These commitments create a framework for further discussion and potential initiatives.
Tourism businesses could use closer cooperation to develop experiences that support local communities and protect natural attractions. Practical outcomes will depend on project design, investment and implementation.
The agreements do not confirm specific carbon-neutral tours, certified eco-resorts or new conservation programmes. Visitors seeking lower-impact holidays should check individual operators’ practices and environmental claims before booking.
Danish Visitors Can Stay Visa-Free
Vietnam currently offers Danish citizens visa-free entry for stays of up to 45 days, subject to entry requirements. The exemption applies under a policy scheduled to run from 15 March 2025 until 14 March 2028.
The allowance may help travellers plan longer visits across several Vietnamese destinations. It also covers different purposes of entry, provided visitors meet Vietnam’s legal conditions.
Travellers should check current passport and entry requirements before departure. Those planning a longer stay should review the appropriate visa options in advance.
Vietnamese citizens planning to visit Denmark should separately check the applicable Danish and Schengen entry requirements. The Vietnamese exemption for Danish visitors does not automatically provide reciprocal visa-free access.
Business Travel Opportunities
The wider partnership covers sectors including energy, trade, investment and technology. These areas could generate future demand for meetings, technical visits and business travel between the two countries.
Agreements involving offshore wind and other industries may bring companies and specialists together as projects develop. However, the announcements do not quantify additional business trips or guarantee new flight demand.
For airlines and tourism operators, the next step will be turning cooperation into bookable services. Direct routes, new itineraries and measurable visitor growth will depend on commercial decisions and future announcements.
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