Boosting Vietnam’s appeal to Nordic travelers
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Feb 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 15
Vietnam Airlines is advancing plans to introduce direct flights between Vietnam and Copenhagen, Denmark, aiming to enhance connectivity with the Nordic region.
This strategic move aligns with the airline's broader objective to expand its European network and cater to the increasing travel demand from Scandinavian countries.
Hanoi-Milan in July
The proposed Hanoi-Copenhagen route is according to Travel and Tour World a part of Vietnam Airlines' strategy to strengthen international connectivity. In March 2024, the airline's Chairman, Dang Ngoc Hoa, highlighted Copenhagen as a potential destination in their European expansion vision for 2025. By September 2024, Vietnam Airlines confirmed non-stop Hanoi-Milan flights, scheduled to commence on July 1, 2025, operating thrice weekly using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
In early 2025, discussions regarding the Copenhagen route gained momentum. On February 13, Danish Ambassador to Vietnam, Nicolai Prytz, met with Vietnam Airlines CEO, Le Hong Ha, to explore the feasibility of the direct service and discuss potential collaborations to ensure its commercial viability.
135,000 visitors
The introduction of a direct Copenhagen flight could significantly boost Vietnam's appeal among Scandinavian and Nordic travelers. As of 2024, Vietnam welcomed approximately 135,000 visitors from these regions, making it the fifth most-visited Southeast Asian country for Nordic travelers, following Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Direct flights would not only strengthen tourism ties but also facilitate business travel, trade, and cultural exchange between Vietnam and Denmark.
Expanding footprint
To optimize the success of the proposed route, Vietnam Airlines is exploring a codeshare agreement with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). Both airlines are members of the SkyTeam Alliance, which would allow seamless connectivity between SAS's extensive Scandinavian network and Vietnam Airlines' long-haul services. This partnership could expand Vietnam Airlines' footprint in Northern Europe, making it easier for passengers to travel between Vietnam and various Scandinavian destinations via Copenhagen.
Strong backing
While the prospect of a direct Copenhagen flight is promising, Vietnam Airlines faces challenges such as seasonal fluctuations in travel demand and the need for market stimulation. CEO Le Hong Ha has emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts between Vietnamese and Danish authorities, including economic support programs and promotional campaigns to attract more travelers. Denmark has shown strong backing for the initiative, with Ambassador Prytz confirming the country's commitment to facilitating Vietnam Airlines' entry into the market.
As Vietnam Airlines works toward finalizing its Copenhagen route, the airline continues to expand its European reach, with the upcoming launch of the Hanoi-Milan service in July 2025 marking a significant milestone in its growth strategy. citeturn0search0
Vietnam Airlines - Key facts
Vietnam Airlines was founded in 1956 as the Vietnam Civil Aviation Department and became a state-owned enterprise under its current name in 1993.
Fleet
As of July 2024, Vietnam Airlines operates a diverse fleet of 97 aircraft, including:
41 Airbus A321s
20 Airbus A321neos
14 Airbus A350-900s
11 Boeing 787-9s
4 Boeing 787-10s
6 ATR72s
In July 2024, the airline expanded its fleet by introducing its first Airbus A320neo, aiming to modernize with more fuel-efficient and technologically advanced aircraft.
Passenger and cargo traffic - In 2024, Vietnam Airlines transported nearly 23 million passengers, an 8% increase from the previous year, recovering to over 99% of its 2019 passenger volume. The airline operated approximately 140,000 flights, a 7% rise year-on-year, achieving 95% of its 2019 flight operations.
Cargo volume in 2024 reached 314,700 tonnes, marking a 40% increase compared to 2023.
Destinations - Vietnam Airlines has restored its entire domestic network and most of its international routes. In 2024, the airline launched new international services to Munich (Germany), Manila (Philippines), and Phnom Penh (Cambodia), as well as new domestic routes connecting Da Nang to Da Lat, Buon Ma Thuot, and Can Tho.
Financial performanc - The airline achieved consolidated revenue of VND 93,265 billion in 2023, nearly 30% higher than in 2022 and approaching its 2019 peak.
Rating 2024 - In 2024, Vietnam Airlines achieved notable recognition, securing the 11th position among the world's top 25 airlines as ranked by AirlineRatings.com.
In November 2024, Vietnamese lawmakers discussed a proposal for Vietnam Airlines to raise up to 22 trillion dong ($866 million) through a share issuance to existing shareholders. This initiative aims to help the airline repay debts incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic and restore its financial stability.
Ownership structure - Vietnam Airlines is predominantly government-owned, with over 86% of its shares held by the government and 5.62% by Japan's ANA Holdings.
Operational efficiency - Each aircraft in the fleet operates an average of 11 hours daily, a 25% increase from previous years, reflecting improved utilization and operational efficiency.
These developments underscore Vietnam Airlines' robust recovery and strategic growth in the post-pandemic aviation landscape. As of February 2025, Vietnam Airlines is actively pursuing fleet expansion plans to meet increasing travel demand and modernize its operations.
Upcoming aircraft orders
Narrowbody fleet expansion: In early 2025, Vietnam Airlines issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to acquire 50 new narrowbody aircraft. This move aims to enhance the airline's regional and domestic services. While a provisional agreement was signed with Boeing in 2023 for 50 737 MAX jets, the final decision will consider proposals from multiple manufacturers, including Airbus and COMAC.
Fleet growth projections: The airline plans to expand its fleet to approximately 170 aircraft by 2035, aligning with projected passenger growth and network expansion strategies.
Recent deliveries
Airbus A320neo Introduction: In July 2024, Vietnam Airlines received its first Airbus A320neo, marking a significant step in modernizing its fleet with more fuel-efficient aircraft.
Pending Deliveries: The airline is awaiting the arrival of two additional A320neo aircraft and three Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, which will further enhance its operational capabilities.
These strategic fleet developments underscore Vietnam Airlines' commitment to expanding its market presence and offering enhanced services to its passengers.
