Vietjet has expanded its Philippines network with the launch of three new routes, linking Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Cebu, and Ho Chi Minh City with Clark. The inaugural flights touched down at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and Clark International Airport on 10 November 2026, with traditional water cannon salutes marking the occasion.
The new services operate three round-trip flights per week, offering travellers more flexibility when moving between Vietnam and the Philippines. They complement Vietjet's existing Ho Chi Minh City–Manila route, strengthening the carrier's presence in a market that has seen steady growth in both business and leisure traffic.
Expanding connectivity in the Philippines
Cebu, the main gateway to the Visayas, is a key hub for tourism and trade, with access to popular island destinations such as Bohol, Palawan, and Siargao. Clark, located in Pampanga, serves as a convenient entry point to Central and Northern Luzon, including the capital region. With these additions, Vietjet becomes the only airline operating direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Clark, a significant competitive advantage.
Local government officials and tourism authorities attended the launch ceremonies at both airports, underscoring the importance of the new links for regional economic development. The routes are expected to boost two-way tourism, with Filipino travellers gaining easier access to Vietnam's cultural heritage sites, bustling cities, and coastal resorts.
From Vietnam, passengers can connect onward to popular domestic destinations and international markets, including Australia, Japan, and South Korea, via Vietjet's expanding network. This aligns with the carrier's strategy of building a comprehensive route map that serves both point-to-point and connecting traffic.
“The launch of three new direct routes to Cebu and Clark reflects Vietjet’s growing presence in the Philippine market and reinforces our role in connecting economic and tourism hubs, countries and cultures through air travel,” said Nguyen Thanh Son, Vietjet CEO.
Promotional fares and market outlook
To celebrate the launch, Vietjet is offering promotional fares from 10 to 12 November 2026, with Eco seats starting from USD0 and a 25% discount on international Deluxe fares. The promotion is part of the carrier's broader 11.11 sale campaign, which has become a key driver for booking momentum in the region.
The new routes also complement other recent developments in the region, such as Vietjet's upcoming Da Nang–Osaka service, reflecting the airline's aggressive international expansion. Meanwhile, Mactan-Cebu Airport's push to become a multi-island gateway is likely to benefit from the increased frequency of flights from Vietnam.
Industry analysts view the move as a positive step for intra-ASEAN connectivity, which has been a focus for low-cost carriers seeking to tap into the region's growing middle class. With the Philippines' economy expanding and Vietnam's outbound tourism on the rise, the new routes are well positioned to capture demand.
Vietjet's expansion in the Philippines is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its international footprint. The airline has been adding capacity across Asia, and its partnership with Vietnam Airlines and ANA could further enhance its network reach in the future.
For travel agents and tour operators, the new services open up opportunities to package multi-destination itineraries combining Vietnam's major cities with the Philippines' island offerings. The three-weekly frequency allows for flexible scheduling, and the promotional fares are expected to stimulate early bookings.
