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The first direct Vietjet flights between Brisbane and Ho Chi Minh City are slated to begin in less than two weeks.
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Starting on 16 June, the Vietnamese low-cost carrier will operate two return flights per week using A330 aircraft, departing Ho Chi Minh City in the morning and arriving at Brisbane in the evening (local time) before returning to Ho Chi Minh City overnight.
Speaking at a diplomatic event in Hanoi with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the service first announced in March, which comes 50 years after Australia’s official recognition of the Vietnamese Government.
“I am especially pleased to acknowledge today the announcements by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet of increased direct flights to Australian capitals. And in the case of Vietjet, direct flights, for the first time, to beautiful Brisbane in the leadup to its hosting the Olympics in 2032, of course,” he said.
“That will help the people-to-people relations as well between us, because this is a relationship built through infrastructure and economic activity. But what it comes down to is a relationship between our people that we need to grow in the future.”
Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff hailed the flights as a success for Queensland’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, which is the result of collaboration between the state government and Queensland’s international airports.
“The Prime Minister is right. These flights will grow our people-to-people connections. We can’t wait to welcome the first plane load of visitors from Vietnam in just under two weeks’ time,” he said.
“Vietnam is a rapidly growing market for Queensland and we are delighted to have Vietjet join the BNE family.”
Vietjet currently flies direct to both Melbourne and Sydney. Its Sydney service, launched in April, marked a milestone for Sydney Airport, with Vietjet becoming its 50th concurrent carrier. At the time, Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert called it an “incredible achievement”.
“Attracting airline networks to rebuild capacity to Sydney is key to supporting the recovery of international tourism, business travel, student travel and the broader New South Wales economy,” he said.
“The Vietnam market has experienced a strong surge in capacity and demand, with passenger volumes 14 per cent above pre-COVID levels in March 2023. We’re thrilled to welcome Vietjet to Sydney Airport, as the airline will be providing a further low-cost option to this sought-after and popular destination.
“As Australia marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Vietnam, it’s fitting that our 50th airline is a Vietnamese carrier.”
