MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) is actively enhancing the Philippines’ air connectivity throughout Southeast Asia. This commitment was exemplified last Sunday morning (Nov. 23) with the exciting launch of VietJet Air’s inaugural direct service from Ho Chi Minh City to Manila.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco praised this new route as a significant milestone for Philippine tourism. She highlighted the critical importance of fortifying ties with Vietnam, one of the region’s most dynamic and rapidly growing economies, paving the way for increased travel and cultural exchange between the two nations.
“We are delighted to welcome VietJet’s new direct flight, as this development aligns with the Marcos administration’s thrust to expand international connectivity and position the Philippines as a primary tourism hub in Asia,” Secretary Frasco said.
“As one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic outbound markets, Vietnam presents promising potential for tourism growth. The strengthened air links allow us to welcome more Vietnamese visitors to experience the warmth of Filipino hospitality and the beauty of our destinations,” the tourism chief added.
The inaugural flight, boasting a maximum seating capacity of 240 passengers, gracefully touched down at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 at precisely 2:50 a.m. On board were 213 eager travelers, marking a celebratory beginning to this new route. Shortly after, the return voyage departed Manila at 3:45 a.m., carrying 189 passengers excitedly heading to the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh.
To warmly welcome arriving guests, the Department of Tourism (DOT) – National Capital Region organized a charming lei reception, complemented by an array of captivating cultural performances showcasing the Philippines’ rich heritage. The event was graced by VietJet executives, including the Director of the Commercial Division, Ha Nang Viet, as well as Assistant Terminal Manager Apolonio Mendoza and various airport officials. Adding a touch of glamour to the occasion, Miss Cosmo Philippines 2025, Chelsea Fernandez, and representatives from the DOT Office of Market Development participated in the festivities.
VietJet Airlines now proudly operates five weekly round-trip flights between the Philippines and Vietnam. Flights depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, arriving in Manila the following morning. Meanwhile, return flights from Manila embark on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, ensuring a smooth journey back to Ho Chi Minh City within the same morning cycle.
Boosting air connectivity
The newly introduced direct flight significantly enhances the Department of Transportation’s strategic initiative to bolster the Philippines’ burgeoning presence in the outbound travel market to Vietnam. From January to November 30, 2025, the Philippines welcomed an impressive 31,085 arrivals from Vietnam, capturing a noteworthy 0.60% market share.
Presently, the vibrant cities of Manila and Cebu enjoy direct connections to bustling Ho Chi Minh City, the historic capital Hanoi, and the picturesque coastal city of Da Nang through various airlines, including the budget-friendly Cebu Pacific Air, the esteemed Philippine Airlines, and the well-established Vietnam Airlines.
The addition of the Ho Chi Minh–Manila route not only strengthens this connectivity but also enriches the Philippines’ expanding network of direct international flights. This includes the newly established service linking New Delhi and Manila via Air India, along with recently launched routes to Australia, such as the Manila–Perth and Cebu–Brisbane connections. Furthermore, travelers can now enjoy direct flights from Canada, Paris, and numerous cities across the United States, making the Philippines an increasingly accessible and attractive destination for global tourists.
“As an archipelagic nation with 7,641 islands, over 99% of Philippine international tourism is dependent on air travel. That is how important air connectivity is for us, and that is also why we continue to strengthen our air connectivity with multiple countries so that tourists have easier access and seamless travel,” Secretary Frasco said, reaffirming the Department’s commitment to ensuring robust air connectivity.
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