Vietjet to launch thrice-weekly flights from Western Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City in 2027

Vietjet joins the growing roster of airlines committed to Western Sydney Airport, preparing to start passenger flights linking Ho Chi Minh City with Western Sydney from 10 January 2027. This expansion will see Vietjet operate Airbus A330 aircraft on a twice-weekly schedule initially, increasing to three weekly flights by March. The new service represents the fifth international carrier to serve Australia’s new 24-hour Western Sydney Airport, following routes announced by Qantas, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, and Air New Zealand.

Western Sydney Airport opened for cargo operations on 27 July, progressing towards passenger flights scheduled to commence on 25 October. Vietjet’s entry adds a key Southeast Asian market to the airport’s international portfolio, emphasizing its strategic role in connecting Australia with popular travel destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. The service highlights the airport’s ambition to become a prominent international hub serving Western Sydney and the broader Sydney metropolitan area.

Vietjet’s leadership views their role at Western Sydney Airport as an opportunity to pioneer expansion of the carrier’s international network. Nguyen Thanh Son, Vietjet’s chief, stated that being one of the earliest operators aligns with the airline’s strategy to grow its footprint on established and emerging routes. Complementing the Australian operation, Vietjet Thailand plans to launch flights to Bangkok from Western Sydney with a four-times weekly frequency in November 2027, further deepening regional connectivity.

The Vietnamese budget airline will deploy its Airbus A330 aircraft on the route to Ho Chi Minh City, a choice which matches both medium-haul demand and capacity needs. These widebody jets will serve the route that has been identified as important to travelers between the two countries. Vietjet’s growing operations from Western Sydney underscore the airport’s ability to support long-haul aircraft and attract cost-conscious carriers targeting the increasing demand for affordable international travel out of the region.

Simon Hickey, chief executive of Western Sydney Airport, emphasized that Vietjet’s service expands the variety of connections available and enhances passenger choice and flexibility. He highlighted Vietnam’s status as a very popular destination for Australian travelers, underlining the route’s potential to stimulate inbound and outbound traffic. The airport promotes itself as a 24/7 facility with modern infrastructure designed to accommodate a range of airlines and aircraft types.

The route launches are supported by the New South Wales government through the Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, an incentive program designed to encourage airlines to initiate services from the new airport. This funding support is instrumental in attracting airlines like Vietjet, helping offset operational costs during the initial phase of building the market and route awareness.

Western Sydney Airport’s launch represents a significant development for the aviation landscape in Australia. The airport provides an alternative international gateway to Sydney, complementing Kingsford Smith Airport and serving the rapidly growing Western Sydney region. The commitment of five international carriers to begin operations shortly after passenger services commence signals strong confidence in the new airport’s commercial potential.

With Vietjet operating thrice-weekly flights to Ho Chi Minh City by March 2027, industry watchers will note the importance of affordable long-haul low-cost services tapping into vibrant migration, tourism, and business travel markets. The addition of a well-known low-cost carrier alongside legacy airlines contributes to a competitive environment enhancing connectivity between Australia and Asia.

Vietjet’s expansion aligns with broader trends of budget airlines increasing international reach with widebody aircraft, a shift from their traditionally short-haul operations. Western Sydney’s role as a launchpad for such innovative service models indicates an evolving aviation market focused on accessibility and diversification of routes and carriers.