HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam – June 2025:
In a major stride for Vietnam’s aviation and tourism sectors, Vietnam Airlines has announced the launch of its first-ever non-stop flight from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Copenhagen (CPH), set to commence on December 15, 2025. This landmark route marks Vietnam’s first direct air link to Northern Europe, significantly boosting travel, trade, and cultural exchange between Vietnam and the Nordic region.
The newly introduced route will be operated by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, renowned for its long-haul comfort and fuel efficiency. Flights will run three times weekly, with departures from Ho Chi Minh City on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and return flights from Copenhagen on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Strengthening Global Connectivity and Cultural Bonds
Speaking on the development, Đặng Anh Tuấn, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines, emphasized the strategic value of this expansion:
“This new route supports Vietnam’s vision for stronger global connectivity. It will not only meet the growing travel demand from tourists and businesses but also foster deeper people-to-people ties.”
Indeed, the route is expected to serve multiple demographics — from Vietnamese tourists seeking Scandinavian experiences, to Danish travelers exploring Southeast Asia, and Vietnamese expatriates living in Denmark, a community numbering over 70,000.
Additionally, Copenhagen Airport (CPH) serves as Northern Europe’s busiest aviation hub, offering seamless transit options to Sweden, Norway, Finland, and beyond. For Vietnam Airlines passengers, this route acts as a convenient gateway to the broader Nordic region, potentially catalyzing regional tourism and business travel.
A New Era in Vietnam–Denmark Relations
This historic launch comes as bilateral relations between Vietnam and Denmark continue to flourish. According to Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark is among Vietnam’s key European partners in sustainability, education, and green transition. The new air link is anticipated to deepen bilateral trade, cultural diplomacy, and eco-tourism collaborations, aligning with Vietnam’s goal of building a more connected and sustainable tourism future.
In a statement shared by Vietnam News, officials projected that the route could generate millions in tourism revenue annually, while facilitating easier movement for Vietnamese students, professionals, and diaspora in Scandinavia.
Vietnam Airlines’ Strategic International Expansion
The SGN–CPH route is part of Vietnam Airlines’ broader post-pandemic strategy to restore and expand its international network, with a strong emphasis on Europe and Asia.
The airline has already resumed or introduced flights to France, Germany, the UK, and Russia, with additional European routes planned. Notably, beginning in July 2025, a Hà Nội to Milan (MXP) route will be launched, offering thrice-weekly flights. Vietnam Airlines is also eyeing a Ho Chi Minh City to Milan connection in the near future.
In Southeast Asia, the carrier recently launched a Ho Chi Minh City–Bali service, complementing its Jakarta route, and in early June, it added a daily non-stop flight between Nha Trang and Busan (South Korea) using its Airbus A321 fleet. This reinforces the airline’s ambition to enhance its South Korea network, a key tourism corridor.
Responding to Market Demand Despite Operational Hurdles
Vietnam Airlines has reported a 10% year-on-year growth in passenger traffic for the first five months of 2025, indicating a robust recovery in global travel demand. Popular regional routes like Ho Chi Minh City–Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City–Singapore are being optimized to meet the surge.
Yet, this expansion is not without challenges. The carrier faces a global aircraft shortage, largely due to engine recalls on Pratt & Whitney-powered jets, affecting fleet availability. Additionally, volatile fuel prices driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions, such as conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, have complicated cost forecasting.
Despite these headwinds, Vietnam Airlines continues to prioritize long-term network growth, infrastructure upgrades, and customer experience enhancements, positioning itself as a major player in Asia-Pacific aviation.
Opportunities for Tourism and the Economy
Tourism experts and government stakeholders have hailed the SGN–CPH route as a game-changer for both nations. It opens doors for:
- Vietnamese tourists seeking Arctic adventures and Northern Lights experiences in Scandinavia.
- European travelers interested in Vietnam’s tropical beaches, UNESCO sites, and cultural heritage.
- Boosted exports and logistics, particularly for Vietnamese seafood, garments, and high-tech goods.
- Education and cultural exchange, especially in green technology and sustainable development.
A Future-Oriented Vision
The expansion aligns with the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism’s (VNAT) 2030 strategy to attract 18 million international visitors annually and shift toward sustainable and high-quality tourism. By 2030, the government aims to integrate Vietnam into the top regional aviation hubs, and routes like Ho Chi Minh–Copenhagen play a vital role in achieving that goal.
Conclusion
As Vietnam Airlines continues to recover and grow in the post-COVID world, the direct connection to Copenhagen is a monumental step in globalizing its network and promoting Vietnam as a premium travel destination. With enhanced accessibility to Northern Europe, Vietnam is poised to attract a new wave of eco-conscious, high-spending travelers, while providing meaningful travel options for its diaspora and business leaders.
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