VietJet Air Launches Hanoi-Almaty-Prague Route, Expanding Connectivity Between Asia and Europe

VietJet Air is set to launch a new international air route connecting Hanoi, Vietnam, with Prague, Czech Republic, via Almaty, Kazakhstan, beginning July 11, 2026. The route will operate twice weekly using Airbus A330 aircraft and leverages fifth-freedom traffic rights, allowing passengers to travel between Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic.

Expanding Air Connectivity

The new route, confirmed by Kazakhstan’s Civil Aviation Committee on March 19, 2026, aims to bolster tourism, business, and humanitarian ties between Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and the Czech Republic [Astana Times]. Kazakhstan views the service as a key step in reinforcing its role as a transit hub between Asia and Europe and expanding its international air network [Astana Times].

Fifth-Freedom Rights and Open Skies Regime

The operation of the Hanoi-Almaty-Prague route will be conducted under fifth-freedom traffic rights, enabling VietJet Air to carry passengers between Almaty and Prague. This is facilitated by Kazakhstan’s “open skies” regime, designed to attract foreign carriers and enhance international connectivity [Travel Trade Today].

Significance for Kazakhstan and Prague Airport

This marks the first direct flight connection between Prague and Almaty [Kursiv Media]. Prague Airport has long prioritized establishing a direct air link with Hanoi, with previous attempts by Bamboo Airways disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic [Kursiv Media].

VietJet Air’s Expansion

VietJet Air has been expanding its fleet, recently doubling its contract for Airbus A330neo aircraft [Astana Times]. Notably, the airline’s parent company, Sovico Group, acquired and rebranded Kazakhstan’s Qazaq Air as VietJet Kazakhstan [Kursiv Media].