Vietnam Airlines Expands to Northern Europe with New Ho Chi Minh City–Copenhagen Route
Vietnam Airlines has expanded its European footprint with the introduction of a direct nonstop route between Ho Chi Minh City and Copenhagen. This launch marks the first-ever direct air connection between Vietnam and Northern Europe, making it a significant milestone for both the airline and the broader Southeast Asia-Europe travel landscape. The inaugural flight took off from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) on December 15, 2025, and touched down at Copenhagen Airport (CPH) after a flight time of just over 12 hours.
Meeting the Rising Demand for Direct Connectivity
The new Ho Chi Minh City–Copenhagen route was introduced to meet the increasing demand for travel between Southeast Asia and Scandinavia. Driven by growing tourism, stronger business ties, and family connections, the service is expected to provide much-needed convenience for travelers who previously had to rely on one-stop flights. By eliminating the need for stopovers, this new nonstop option significantly reduces travel time, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
The route is operated three times a week, with flights departing Ho Chi Minh City on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. Return flights from Copenhagen will leave on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. The service is operated by Vietnam Airlines’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, known for its fuel efficiency and enhanced passenger comfort on long-haul flights. On the inaugural flight, more than 200 passengers traveled from Ho Chi Minh City, while the return leg saw over 300 passengers. This strong initial demand from both leisure and business travelers highlights the route’s potential.
Copenhagen: A Key Gateway to Northern Europe
Copenhagen was chosen as the launch city for this route due to its strategic position as a transport hub for Northern Europe. As the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen is well-connected to other Scandinavian countries, including Sweden, Norway, and Finland. With integrated air, rail, and road networks, Copenhagen serves as an ideal gateway for travelers heading to other major cities in the region.
This development is significant for Vietnam Airlines, as Northern Europe is a high-potential market, particularly during the winter months when there is an uptick in outbound travel seeking warmer destinations. Copenhagen’s relatively smaller size compared to other major European hubs also allows airlines like Vietnam Airlines to introduce new routes with fewer logistical challenges, making it an attractive entry point for the carrier’s expansion in the region.
Strengthening Cultural and Economic Ties
The new flight also provides vital links for the growing Vietnamese community in Northern Europe, estimated at around 70,000 people. Many of these individuals have family ties in Vietnam, and the direct route will help strengthen those connections. In addition, the increased accessibility between Ho Chi Minh City and Copenhagen will foster greater cultural exchange, support bilateral trade, and encourage inbound investment between Vietnam and the Nordic region.
Vietnam’s tourism sector is already seeing a rise in visitors from Scandinavia, attracted by the country’s rich cultural heritage, warm climate, and expanding infrastructure. The introduction of this new route is expected to further boost tourism in both directions, with more Scandinavian tourists choosing Vietnam as a destination for both leisure and business trips.
Expanding Vietnam Airlines’ European Network
This new route is a part of Vietnam Airlines’ broader strategy to expand its European network. The airline already operates direct services to major cities such as Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, London, Milan, and Moscow, and Copenhagen adds another key destination. The airline now joins a select group of Southeast Asian carriers offering direct flights to Northern Europe, which places it in a competitive position to capture a larger share of the growing demand for travel between the regions.
The airline’s focus on expanding its global reach while promoting Vietnam as a leading tourist and business destination aligns with its long-term goals. As the national carrier of Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines is positioning itself as a key player in international air travel, strengthening its role as a connector between Southeast Asia and the world.
Conclusion
Vietnam Airlines’ launch of nonstop flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Copenhagen is a game-changer for air connectivity between Southeast Asia and Northern Europe. The new service not only provides greater convenience and reduced travel times but also strengthens the airline’s competitive position in the European market. With the continued growth of both tourism and trade between Vietnam and Northern Europe, this new route is expected to open doors to more opportunities for travelers, businesses, and cultural exchange.
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