Vietnamese low-cost carrier VietJet is set to launch scheduled flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Malé from 5 December 2026, strengthening air connectivity between the Maldives and Southeast Asia as the country enters its peak tourism season.
The airline is scheduled to operate three weekly services on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays using Airbus A320 aircraft. The Malé service will operate as an extension of VietJet’s existing Ho Chi Minh City–Colombo route, opening a new direct travel option connecting Vietnam with one of the world’s most sought-after island destinations.
The introduction of the service is expected to improve access to the Maldives for travellers from Vietnam while also creating wider opportunities to attract visitors from across Southeast Asia through VietJet’s regional network. Tourism industry observers have highlighted the route as an important addition to the Maldives’ expanding international aviation network, particularly as the Government continues efforts to diversify tourism source markets and strengthen connectivity with emerging destinations.
Vietnam currently ranks 65th among tourism source markets for the Maldives. A total of 2,813 Vietnamese tourists visited the country last year, compared with 2,916 visitors recorded in 2024. Official statistics also show that 2,001 tourists from Vietnam travelled to the Maldives during the first eight months of 2026.
The new service provides further potential for Maldives resorts, guesthouses and tourism businesses to build greater visibility among Vietnamese travellers, particularly those seeking premium beach holidays, private island experiences, marine activities and high-quality hospitality. Easier flight connections could also support stronger partnerships between Maldivian tourism operators, travel agencies and tour operators across Vietnam and the wider Southeast Asian market.
To promote the launch of the route, VietJet has introduced a special “Golden Days” promotion from 8 to 10 October, offering promotional economy-class tickets with zero base fare, subject to the airline’s applicable terms, taxes and charges.
The expansion of VietJet’s network to the Maldives is expected to complement the Government’s continued efforts to strengthen international air access and expand the country’s tourism reach. With greater connectivity to Ho Chi Minh City, the new route is positioned to support further growth in visitor arrivals from Vietnam while creating additional opportunities for the Maldives to deepen its presence across the rapidly growing Southeast Asian travel market.
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