Vietjet Air, Vietnam’s innovative airline, has announced the launch of its first route connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Auckland, New Zealand. This service links two significant hubs fostering economic, tourism, and cultural exchange in the Asia-Pacific region.

Following this announcement, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the Vietjet Aviation Academy to discuss this milestone in bilateral relations, celebrating the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership ahead of their 50th diplomatic anniversary. The service is set to commence in September 2025, facilitating four return flights weekly and providing better access for travellers from India to New Zealand through Vietnam.

Luxon remarked, “I’m very pleased with Vietjet’s initiative to develop this route to New Zealand, enhancing connectivity and personal ties between our countries, enabling growth opportunities in tourism, trade, and education.”

Additionally, Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao affirmed Vietjet’s commitment to advancing Vietnam-New Zealand relations, stating that their trade goal of USD 3 billion is on track, emphasizing sustainable growth and partnership expansion.

To support this vision, Vietjet plans to establish a hub in New Zealand and is poised to sign an agreement with the International Aviation Academy of New Zealand for collaborative pilot training.

Vietjet aims to strengthen its presence by introducing two more direct routes between India and Ho Chi Minh City, increasing its operational network to ten routes with 78 weekly flights. The airline is also set to launch new international connections from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Beijing and Guangzhou shortly.