Vietjet has entered a new stage of international growth after securing three honours at the Korea Consumer Awards 2026, including its first Best Hybrid Airline title.
The Vietnamese carrier also received the Best Inflight Food Experience and Service Excellence Award. The achievement marks Vietjet’s second consecutive year of recognition at the annual South Korean awards.
The honours highlight Vietjet’s transformation from a traditional low-cost operator into a hybrid airline combining competitive fares with premium travel options, improved onboard services and greater passenger flexibility.
This strategy allows the carrier to serve budget-conscious holidaymakers while also attracting families, business passengers and travellers seeking additional comfort.
For Vietnam’s tourism industry, the recognition strengthens the international profile of a carrier that plays an important role in connecting the country with South Korea and other major markets across Asia-Pacific.
Consumer awards strengthen passenger confidence
The Korea Consumer Awards recognise brands based on customer surveys covering important performance indicators and assessments conducted by a professional judging panel.
Vietjet was named among 39 trusted consumer brands in South Korea during 2026. It was also identified as the only foreign airline to receive recognition at the awards for two consecutive years.
This repeated success is significant in a competitive aviation market where passengers increasingly consider reliability, service quality, flexibility and total travel value alongside the headline ticket price.
Vietjet’s Service Excellence Award reflects its efforts to improve different stages of the passenger journey. These include booking, fare selection, airport services, onboard hospitality and access to an expanding international route network.
The inflight food honour also demonstrates how onboard dining can help airlines differentiate their services. Meals are becoming an increasingly important part of the overall experience, especially on medium- and long-distance international journeys.
South Korea network supports Vietnam tourism
Vietjet began operating services to South Korea in 2014 and has since carried more than 15 million passengers between South Korea and Vietnam.
The airline currently operates 11 direct routes connecting Seoul Incheon and Busan with Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Hai Phong.
These connections support tourism, family travel, education, investment and cultural exchange between the two countries.
South Korean visitors represent an important international market for Vietnamese destinations. Direct flights provide access to major cities as well as coastal tourism centres known for beaches, resorts, food, heritage and entertainment.
Vietnamese travellers also benefit from additional access to South Korea for holidays, study, business and visits to friends or relatives.
The wide selection of routes reduces reliance on a small number of gateways. It also distributes international passenger demand across several Vietnamese destinations, supporting regional airports, hotels, restaurants, attractions and local transport businesses.
Hybrid fares provide greater travel choice
Vietjet’s hybrid airline model offers several fare categories designed around different passenger requirements.
Eco remains the budget-focused option for travellers prioritising affordable transportation. Deluxe adds greater flexibility and selected benefits, while SkyBoss and Business products offer enhanced airport and onboard services.
This structure allows passengers to choose the experience that suits their trip rather than paying for a single standard package.
A family travelling with checked baggage may value a fare containing additional allowances. A business passenger may prioritise comfort and time-saving services. Meanwhile, a short-break traveller carrying limited luggage may prefer the lowest available fare.
The approach helps Vietjet maintain its affordable positioning while competing for passengers who expect more personalised services.
Hybrid models are becoming more relevant as travellers focus on the complete cost of a journey. Baggage, meals, seat selection and schedule flexibility can influence the true value of a ticket.
Vietnamese cuisine becomes part of the journey
Vietjet has strengthened its onboard identity by offering hot meals featuring Vietnamese and international dishes.
Passengers can select familiar Vietnamese favourites such as pho and banh mi, alongside Vietnamese iced milk coffee. These offerings allow international visitors to experience part of the country’s culinary culture before arriving.
Food can also reinforce Vietnam’s destination brand. Travellers often associate the country with distinctive flavours, street food traditions and regional cuisine.
Selected special flights have also featured cultural and artistic performances at cruising altitude. These experiences create memorable moments while presenting Vietnamese hospitality and creativity to international passengers.
Combined with professional cabin service and a modern fleet, the cultural elements help Vietjet move beyond basic transportation and offer a more recognisable passenger experience.
European expansion opens new connections
Vietjet’s international ambitions will advance further in October 2026 when it launches services between Hanoi and Prague.
The new European gateway will strengthen links between Vietnam and the Czech Republic while creating additional travel possibilities across Vietjet’s Asian network.
The route can support leisure tourism, family connections, trade and movement between Central Europe and Southeast Asia.
Passengers from South Korea and other regional markets may also gain expanded journey options through Vietnam, subject to schedules and connection arrangements.
Innovation and sustainability guide growth
Digital development and sustainability remain central to Vietjet’s long-term strategy.
The airline continues investing in technology that can simplify booking, improve customer communication and support more efficient operations. Its modern aircraft also contribute to lower fuel consumption and improved operating performance.
The Korea Consumer Awards 2026 recognition therefore represents more than a ceremonial achievement. It reflects Vietjet’s wider evolution into a hybrid international carrier offering affordability, flexible premium products and culturally distinctive services.
As its network expands across Asia and into Europe, Vietjet is strengthening Vietnam’s position within global aviation while creating more opportunities for international tourism and passenger choice
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