The capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi, will soon be more accessible from Prague than ever before. Starting 10 October 2026, the budget airline Vietjet Air will launch flights on this route two times a week. This makes Prague the airline’s very first European destination. It is anticipated that this new connection will not only boost tourism between Vietnam and the Czech Republic but also enhance trade and cargo transport.

The introduction of Vietjet Air at Prague Airport will mark the first regular flight route from Prague to Hanoi in the modern era of the Czech Republic. “Vietnam holds the largest market potential for passenger travel, which we previously lacked a direct flight to,” says Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Prague Airport Board. “Last year, over 75,000 travelers journeyed between Prague and Hanoi. This need inspired our long-term goal to establish a direct flight to Hanoi, which we have now successfully achieved.”

Vietjet Air will run the new service on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Initially, this route will include a stopover in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and passengers can also book tickets for the Prague-Almaty leg. According to the flight schedule, the plane will depart from Hanoi at 8:45 a.m. After stopping in Almaty, it will arrive at Prague Airport at 6:30 p.m. The return flight will leave Prague at 8:30 p.m., with another stop in Almaty, reaching Hanoi the next day at 4:45 p.m. This route will be serviced by an Airbus A330-300, which has a total capacity for 377 passengers.

It is expected that this direct flight between Prague and Hanoi will appeal to the sizable Vietnamese community living in the Czech Republic. Estimates suggest that over 67,000 passengers could use this service in both directions during its first year. “The new route will facilitate visits for the Vietnamese community here to see family members, and vice versa. We also anticipate increased tourism from Czech visitors to Vietnam due to this direct flight, which will enhance both travel and business connections between our two countries. Moreover, Vietnam serves as a vital entry point to Southeast Asia, so we expect that this route will be utilized not only for passengers but also for cargo transport,” adds Jiří Pos.

“Establishing a direct flight between Prague and Hanoi is crucial for attracting tourists to the Czech Republic. Vietnam has significant potential, not only as a direct source of visitors but also as a transfer point for neighboring Southeast Asian markets. The ease of access to a destination is a major factor in travelers’ choices. This new route is, therefore, set to greatly simplify travel to the Czech Republic, increasing arrivals from Southeast Asia and opening fresh avenues for tourism and business collaboration,” emphasizes František Reismüller, Director of the Czech Tourism Board – CzechTourism. “Additionally, the route via Almaty is appealing for travelers from the larger Central Asian region. Countries in Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, represent a promising audience with growing purchasing power and a keen interest in wellness, healthcare, and high-quality services. The Czech Republic is well-known in this region as a top-notch spa destination.”

The Vietnamese airline Vietjet Air will be the newest addition at Václav Havel Airport Prague. Established in 2007 with its base in Hanoi, the airline offers an extensive network, providing access to more than 40 connecting flights across Asia, in addition to the Prague-Hanoi route.