Jetstar is set to launch direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City from Sydney and Melbourne in May 2017.
When the flights take off, Jetstar Airways will become the only low cost carrier to fly direct to the popular South East Asian destination, with flights on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating four times weekly from Sydney and three times weekly from Melbourne.
Jetstar Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said Vietnam is one of the fastest growing holiday destinations in South East Asia.
“Vietnam has the potential to become as popular as Bali or Thailand for Australian travellers,” she said.
“Vietnam is well known for its rich culture, vibrant cities, beaches and cuisine, and travellers can take advantage of the wide range of experiences the region has to offer.
“We expect our low fares and direct flights will generate even more demand for holidays to Vietnam.
“From Ho Chi Minh City, travellers can fly to 15 other destinations within Vietnam on Jetstar Pacific, which offers the same low fares that Australians have come to expect from Jetstar,” Hrdlicka said.
She said it is expected the new route will also stimulate inbound tourism to Australia.
“In the last 12 months, there has been a 21 per cent increase in visitors from Vietnam to Australia and we expect to see that grow with the introduction of our low fares on the route,” Hrdlicka said.
“The growing middle class in Vietnam has made it one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world.”
Flights from Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City will commence on 10 May 2017, and flights from Sydney will commence on 11 May 2017, subject to government and regulatory approval.