Ho Chi Minh City-Phuket direct route launched, strengthening connectivity between Vietnam and Thailand

The new direct air service between Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) and Phuket (Thailand) officially commenced operations on 2 July 2026, further enhancing air connectivity between Vietnam and Thailand. The route is operated four times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays using Airbus A321 aircraft.

As the operator of 21 airports nationwide, Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) continues to support airlines in expanding Vietnam’s international air network. Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the country’s largest aviation gateway, plays a vital role in connecting Ho Chi Minh City with key markets across the region and beyond.

The launch of the new route comes as cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand continues to deepen, contributing to stronger tourism, trade and investment ties between the two countries. During the first six months of 2026, Vietnam welcomed more than 259,500 visitors from Thailand, up 10% compared with the same period in 2025, making Thailand the country’s tenth-largest source market. This positive growth highlights the strong potential for further expansion of air connectivity between the two nations.

In addition to meeting growing travel demand between Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket-one of Asia’s premier beach destinations, the new service further enhances international connectivity through Tan Son Nhat International Airport. From Ho Chi Minh City, passengers can conveniently connect to an extensive network of domestic destinations as well as key markets across Northeast Asia, Europe, Australia and many other international destinations.

The launch of the Ho Chi Minh City-Phuket route further strengthens the connectivity of Vietnam’s airport network with Southeast Asia while creating new opportunities to attract international visitors, promote tourism and trade, and enhance economic cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand.