India–Vietnam Flights to Double: New Aviation Deal Brings More Travel Options

India and Vietnam are set to strengthen air connectivity after the two countries agreed to significantly increase the number of seats available on direct flights between them.

Under the latest aviation agreement, the bilateral air capacity limit will rise from around 8,000 seats to more than 16,000 seats per week. The change is effective immediately and could give travellers more flight options between major Indian cities and Vietnam.

The development comes as demand for travel between India and Vietnam continues to grow, with airlines on both sides using or approaching their existing flying rights.

India–Vietnam Flight Capacity to More Than Double

India and Vietnam have agreed to change the way flight capacity is allocated under their bilateral Air Services Agreement.

Instead of limiting airlines primarily through flight frequencies, the countries have agreed to use seat capacity for designated carriers. This allows airlines greater flexibility to add services while staying within the agreed capacity limits.

The revised arrangement increases the available capacity from approximately 8,000 seats per week to more than 16,000 seats per week.

For passengers, this could eventually translate into more flights, additional frequencies and greater choice of travel dates.

More Flights Between India and Vietnam

Indian airlines IndiGo and Air India currently operate services connecting India with Vietnam, while Vietnamese carriers also operate multiple services to Indian cities.

According to recent industry data, Indian carriers operate around 30 flights per week to Vietnam, while Vietnamese airlines operate approximately 48 flights per week to India.

The additional capacity gives airlines room to consider expanding services on existing routes and potentially introducing more connections.

Which Indian Cities Could Get More Vietnam Flights?

The increased capacity could benefit several major Indian cities.

Vietnamese carriers are expected to have opportunities to increase services to cities including:

• Delhi

• Mumbai

• Hyderabad

• Chennai

• Kolkata

Vietnam's Sun PhuQuoc Airlines is also planning to launch services to Mumbai, according to industry reporting.

However, the agreement sets the available capacity; individual airlines still need to announce their specific schedules and routes.

Air India Already Expands Vietnam Network

Air India's Vietnam network has already been growing in 2026.

The airline launched a five-times-weekly nonstop Delhi–Hanoi service in May 2026, making Hanoi its second Vietnamese gateway after Ho Chi Minh City. Air India also operates daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City.

The Delhi–Hanoi service operates using an Airbus A320neo and gives travellers additional options for visiting northern Vietnam.

Air India has also highlighted the possibility of multi-city itineraries, allowing travellers to arrive in Hanoi and return from Ho Chi Minh City, or travel in the opposite direction.

Why Vietnam Is Becoming Popular With Indian Travellers

Vietnam has become an increasingly popular destination for Indian tourists because of its beaches, food, cultural attractions and relatively diverse travel experiences.

Popular destinations include:

Hanoi

Vietnam's capital is known for its Old Quarter, historic architecture, local food and cultural attractions.

Ho Chi Minh City

The country's largest city offers museums, markets, restaurants and access to destinations in southern Vietnam.

Da Nang

Da Nang is popular for its beaches and is also a convenient base for visiting Hoi An and nearby attractions.

Phu Quoc

The island is known for beaches, resorts and island experiences and has become increasingly popular among international holidaymakers.

India–Vietnam Travel Demand Is Growing

Passenger traffic between India and Vietnam crossed 1.8 million in 2025, with demand continuing to grow year-on-year.

The increase in flight capacity comes as tourism, business and investment links between the two countries continue to expand.

The Civil Aviation Ministry said the enhanced connectivity is intended to strengthen trade, tourism, investment and people-to-people ties between India and Vietnam.

What Does the New Deal Mean for Indian Travellers?

The biggest potential benefit is more choice.

With additional capacity available, airlines can consider adding more flights or increasing the number of seats on existing services.

For travellers, this could mean:

• More flight options to Vietnam

• Greater flexibility in choosing travel dates

• More direct connections from major Indian cities

• Increased competition between airlines

• More options during holiday periods

• Easier planning for multi-city Vietnam trips

However, travellers should note that the capacity increase does not mean every route will immediately receive additional flights.

Airlines must announce their individual schedules based on commercial demand and available aircraft.

Could More Flights Mean Lower Airfares?

Additional airline capacity can increase competition and give passengers more choices, but it does not guarantee lower fares.

Ticket prices will continue to depend on factors such as:

• Travel dates

• Seasonal demand

• Airline

• Seat availability

• Advance booking period

• Baggage requirements

• Fuel and operating costs

Travellers should compare fares across airlines and dates before booking.

More Options for Holiday Travellers

The timing of the expansion could be useful for travellers planning holidays to Vietnam during busy travel periods.

With more available seats, passengers may have greater flexibility when searching for flights from cities such as Delhi and Mumbai.

Travellers can also consider open-jaw itineraries, such as flying into Hanoi and returning from Ho Chi Minh City, instead of taking the same route in both directions.

Air India's existing network already supports this type of itinerary.

What Travellers Should Check Before Booking

Before booking a Vietnam trip, Indian travellers should check:

• Current flight schedules

• Ticket prices and baggage allowance

• Passport validity

• Vietnam entry requirements

• Hotel and accommodation costs

• Airport transfer options

• Travel insurance

• Airline cancellation and change policies

Flight schedules can change, so passengers should confirm the latest timings directly with the airline before travelling.

Final Takeaway

India and Vietnam have agreed to more than double bilateral air capacity from around 8,000 to over 16,000 seats per week, creating room for airlines to expand direct services between the two countries.

The agreement comes at a time when demand for Vietnam travel from India is increasing. With Air India, IndiGo and Vietnamese airlines already operating services, the additional capacity could bring more flight choices for Indian travellers.

For tourists planning a Vietnam holiday, the development could mean more routes, more convenient schedules and potentially greater competition between airlines as carriers announce their expanded services.