After Ho Chi Minh, Indian Airlines Now Aim At Hanoi As Akasa & IndiGo To Commence Direct Flights From Mumbai; Aim To Tap Increasing Indian Tourists To Vietnam
Indian airlines are now expanding their footprint in Vietnam with shifting their sights towards Hanoi after establishing a solid foothold in the country's commercial capital of Ho Chi Minh City. Akasa Air will commence direct flight operations from Mumbai to the Vietnamese capital this week whereas IndiGo will commence daily flights from October. Vietnam Emerges As Tourist Hub Vietnam has turned…
Indian airlines are broadening their reach in Vietnam, setting their sights on Hanoi after making significant inroads in Ho Chi Minh City. Akasa Air will begin direct flights from Mumbai to Hanoi this week, while IndiGo will launch daily service from October. Vietnam has become an increasingly popular travel destination for Indian tourists, attracted by its affordability and rich cultural tapestry.
Passenger numbers between India and Vietnam rose to 11.06 lakh in 2025, with a notable 4.09 lakh in the final quarter. While VietJet and Vietnam Airlines have dominated the India-Vietnam route, Akasa Air and IndiGo are poised to challenge this dominance. Akasa Air, the newest Indian carrier, commenced operations on September 4, becoming the first airline to connect the two cities.
The airline will operate four flights per week. IndiGo, in response, will offer daily non-stop flights between Mumbai and Hanoi starting October 25, complementing its existing routes to Hanoi from New Delhi and Kolkata. Akasa Air's services will run on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, whereas IndiGo will provide daily connectivity.
Vietnamese carriers VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines initially held the upper hand in this market, but Indian airlines are quickly closing the gap. IndiGo's announcement comes just two days before Akasa Air's debut on the Mumbai-Hanoi route. Aviation experts believe this move follows a pattern of Indian airlines capitalizing on the surge in leisure and diplomatic travel to Vietnam, following early success in Ho Chi Minh City.
Hanoi has seen a surge in interest from Indian tourists, driven by a growing demand for short-haul international trips that offer a blend of history and affordability. Hanoi has emerged as a lucrative dual market beyond its administrative role, serving as the gateway to popular northern destinations like Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh.
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