VietJet Air Expands Network with New Routes to Japan, Czech Republic, Indonesia, and Thailand

Vietnamese low-cost carrier VietJet Air is pursuing ambitious growth plans in 2026, with a significant focus on Japan and new connections planned for the Czech Republic, Indonesia, and Thailand. The airline is leveraging a growing fleet and strategic partnerships to expand its regional and long-haul presence.

Japan as a Key Growth Market

Japan is emerging as a central pillar of VietJet’s 2026 network strategy. New and recently launched services connect Bangkok with Osaka Kansai and Tokyo Narita, complementing existing routes from Vietnam to Japanese cities like Ho Chi Minh City to Nagoya and Fukuoka, and Hanoi to Hiroshima. This expansion aims to capture both outbound Japanese tourism and growing Southeast Asian leisure travel to Japan. Vietjet launched its first direct flights connecting Vietnam and Japan with a route linking Hanoi with Osaka in 2024.

Thai Vietjet’s Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to Osaka Kansai service began operations in early February 2026, followed by daily flights to Tokyo Narita. These additions build upon existing links from Bangkok to Fukuoka and Chiang Mai to Osaka, broadening the airline’s reach to secondary Japanese cities.

The airline is deploying wide-body aircraft on select routes to Japan, as VietJet increases capacity for flights of five to seven hours, bringing core Japanese gateways within range from both Vietnam and Thailand. This supports the airline’s goal of increasing its share of traffic between Japan and mainland Southeast Asia.

Czech Republic: Long-Haul European Ambitions

VietJet is preparing to extend its network into Europe, with the Czech Republic identified as a key prospective destination. Newly ordered Airbus A330neo wide-body aircraft, scheduled for delivery through 2025 and 2026, are earmarked for non-stop flights between Vietnam and major European cities, including Prague. VietJet Air plans to launch flights from Vietnam to the Czech Republic via Kazakhstan starting July 11th, operating the Hanoi – Almaty – Prague route twice a week using Airbus A330 aircraft.

The prospective Prague connection is part of a broader long-haul plan that also considers routes to France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. These services will be supported by a regional network feeding long-haul departures through hubs such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

The new air link between Vietnam and the Czech Republic is expected to boost tourism, business, and humanitarian ties, and strengthen cooperation between Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and the Czech Republic.

Growth in Indonesia and Thailand

Alongside Japan and Europe, Indonesia and Thailand are key pillars of VietJet’s 2026 growth strategy. New connections between Vietnam and major Indonesian gateways have already been established, with plans for additional capacity and new city pairs as aircraft deliveries continue. The airline aims to tap into rising intra-ASEAN tourism, particularly among price-sensitive younger travelers.

In Thailand, Thai Vietjet is playing a central role, with Bangkok Suvarnabhumi evolving into a secondary hub for services radiating across North Asia and the wider region, including China, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, and India. The addition of direct flights from Bangkok to Osaka and Tokyo in 2026 further strengthens Thailand’s role as a bridge between Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia.

Fleet Expansion and Infrastructure Support

VietJet’s expansion is underpinned by a rapid build-up of fleet capacity. The carrier has committed to substantial orders for both single-aisle and wide-body aircraft, including additional A321neo jets and A330 wide bodies. By late 2025, VietJet’s fleet, including aircraft operated by its Thai affiliate, had surpassed 120 units, with further deliveries scheduled through 2026. Vietjet ordered 20 A330neo widebodies in May 2025 to support its future expansion plans.

Infrastructure developments in Vietnam, such as the expansion of Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and the planned construction of Long Thanh International Airport, are expected to further enable this growth.

Implications for Travelers and Competition

The addition of these new routes provides travelers with more low-cost, non-stop or one-stop itineraries to a wider selection of destinations in Japan and Europe. Regional tourism boards are likely to benefit from increased connectivity, particularly for second-tier cities. The competitive landscape is expected to intensify, with established airlines potentially responding with pricing adjustments or added capacity.