Direct Cebu–Ho Chi Minh flights targeted by Q4

MANILA, Philippines — Air connectivity between the Philippines and Vietnam is set to get a boost as budget carrier VietJet Air announced plans to launch a direct route between Ho Chi Minh City and Cebu.

The new service, expected to commence in the fourth quarter, will enhance accessibility between the two destinations and create new opportunities for travelers, tourism stakeholders and businesses.

“This development reflects the growing demand for travel between Cebu and Vietnam and highlights the strength of the relationship between our two countries,” Aboitiz InfraCapital president and CEO Cosette Canilao said.

The planned launch of direct flights between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City reinforces the commitment of Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), which is operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. (ACAC), to expand international connectivity, support tourism growth and strengthen Cebu’s position as a leading gateway to the Philippines.

It also advances MCIA’s program to position Cebu as the Philippines’ premier tourism transfer hub, seamlessly connecting international travelers to destinations across the country’s islands.

“Direct connectivity plays a vital role in stimulating tourism, facilitating commerce and creating opportunities that benefit our communities and economies,” Canilao said.

Given the potential of the Vietnamese market, ACAC has intensified its route development efforts through a series of strategic engagements with VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines.

The initiatives included airline headquarters visits, executive-level discussions and participation in major international route development forums.

Demonstrating Cebu’s strong potential as a growing international gateway, ACAC also shared comprehensive market intelligence, traffic demand analyses and growth projections directly with airline network and commercial teams.