The flights between Adelaide and Ho Chi Minh City via Perth will operate with brand-new Airbus A321NEO aircraft. Photo: VietJet.
A Vietnamese low-cost airline has launched flights between Adelaide and Ho Chi Minh City.
After landing for the first time on 21 November, VietJet is now flying five weekly return flights via Perth using brand new Airbus A321NEO aircraft.
The South Australian Government said VietJet operates to 125 domestic and international destinations and that Vietnam is SA’s 12th largest export destination, with exports valued at almost $500 million per year in 2022-23.
The new flights will operate from Sunday to Thursday, departing Ho Chi Minh City at 6:35 am and arriving in Perth at 2:20 pm, then departing Perth at 3:20 pm and arriving in Adelaide at 9:10 pm.
The aircraft stays overnight in Adelaide, and the return flights on Monday to Friday are scheduled to depart Adelaide at 7:25 am and arrive in Perth at 8:55 am, and then depart Perth at 9:55 am and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at 3:40 pm. All times are local times.
There are now nine international airlines operating 44 flights into Adelaide each week. Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways increased their capacity into Adelaide with increased services in November, while Singapore Airlines will also add extra flights during summer. Batik Air Indonesia also commenced services to Denpasar in Bali in November.
SA Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs Zoe Bettison said the SA Government is focused on growing tourism and putting SA front and centre.
“More capacity will assist our strong tourism sector and help capitalise on the significant amount of South Australian events ahead,” she said. “It is terrific to have VietJet now flying into Adelaide, the first Vietnamese airline to include our city as a regular destination – opening up significant opportunities for South Australia.
“Vietnam is South Australia’s fourth largest market of international students, and these flights will only further create opportunities to grow that market,” she added.
“The South Australian Tourism Commission and Adelaide Airport have been working hard behind the scenes to secure more airlines and recover international aviation, and I am incredibly pleased that today’s milestone means more flights and more opportunities for our state.”
Adelaide Airport Managing Director Brenton Cox said travellers had already embraced the new service since it was first announced in October, saying there had been, “solid ticket sales fuelled by South Australians wanting to explore the wonderful sights of Vietnam, and a reconnection of family and friends through our State’s vibrant Vietnamese community bringing visitors to South Australia”.
“Vietnam has been a focus of ours for some time and we’re delighted that VietJet has recognised the opportunity to add Adelaide to its network,” he added. “We are confident the strong economic and tourism links between Vietnam and South Australia will translate into significant interest in these flights.”
