Vietjet has unveiled three new international routes that will deepen its footprint in South and Southeast Asia. Starting 20 December 2026, the carrier will operate four weekly round-trips between Da Nang and Jakarta, followed on 9 February 2027 by three weekly services on both the Hanoi-Colombo and Hanoi-Maldives sectors.
The Da Nang-Jakarta link is a strategic move to connect Vietnam's central coast with Indonesia's capital, a major economic hub. The route is expected to cater to both leisure travellers seeking the beaches and heritage sites of central Vietnam and business passengers moving between the two dynamic economies.
Hanoi-Colombo will be Vietjet's first direct service from the Vietnamese capital to Sri Lanka's commercial centre, opening up new opportunities for cultural and trade exchanges. Meanwhile, the Hanoi-Maldives route taps into the enduring demand for the Indian Ocean archipelago's luxury resorts and island experiences.
Network expansion and regional connectivity
These additions complement Vietjet's existing services from Ho Chi Minh City to Colombo and the Maldives, giving travellers more departure points and flexibility. The airline's growing network now spans key cities across Asia, Australia, and Europe, positioning it as a significant player in the region's low-cost carrier segment.
Vietjet's expansion aligns with broader trends in Asian aviation, where carriers are increasingly looking to secondary cities to stimulate demand. The Da Nang-Jakarta route, for instance, bypasses the crowded Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City hubs, offering a direct link that could appeal to both leisure and business travellers.
The new routes also come at a time when the Maldives is seeing renewed interest from Asian markets. As noted in a recent report on Diwali festivities at two Maldives private islands, the destination continues to attract high-end travellers. Vietjet's affordable fares could broaden the Maldives' appeal beyond the luxury segment.
For Jakarta, the new service from Da Nang adds to the city's growing connectivity with Vietnam. Jakarta's hotel sector is also evolving, with recent appointments such as Manoj Rawat taking the helm at Jakarta Marriott Hotel Gelora, signalling confidence in the market's recovery and growth.
Vietjet's strategy of launching routes from multiple Vietnamese gateways is part of its broader effort to make travel more accessible. By offering competitive fares and convenient schedules, the airline aims to stimulate demand and encourage more people to explore the region's diverse cultures and landscapes.
Industry observers will be watching how these routes perform, particularly the Hanoi-Colombo service, which faces competition from full-service carriers on similar sectors. Vietjet's cost advantage and marketing muscle could make it a formidable challenger.
The airline's expansion also has implications for tourism boards and destination marketers. With more direct flights, destinations like Colombo and the Maldives can expect increased visitor numbers from Vietnam, while Da Nang stands to benefit from Indonesian tourists seeking a new beach destination.
Vietjet's move is a clear signal of its ambition to become a leading carrier in the region. As it continues to add routes and frequencies, the airline is not only connecting cities but also fostering economic and cultural ties across Asia.
