Vietjet launches Hanoi–Almaty–Prague, its first route into the EU

Vietjet has launched services linking Hanoi with Almaty and Prague, plus a route between Almaty and Prague, marking the Vietnamese carrier's first entry into the European Union. According to AeroTime, the airline announced the launch on 11 October 2026, after inaugural ceremonies on 10 October.

Routes and schedule

The flights connect Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi with Almaty International Airport (ALA) in Kazakhstan and Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) in the Czech Republic. Both AeroTime and Travel Daily Media report that the services operate twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, using Airbus A330 widebody aircraft.

Passengers can book economy as well as Business or SkyBoss, which AeroTime describes as the airline's premium product. Travel Daily Media adds that Business and SkyBoss come with a varied culinary selection.

Launch ceremonies

Inaugural ceremonies were held at the Almaty and Prague airports, where the first flights were greeted with water cannon salutes. Travel Daily Media reports that the events also featured cultural performances and that passengers on the first flights received commemorative gifts.

Vietjet's plans and official reaction

Vietjet CEO Nguyen Thanh Son described the launch as an important milestone in the airline's international growth. According to AeroTime, he said Vietjet intends to add more European services, making travel between Europe, Asia and Australia more convenient and supporting trade and investment.

At the Prague ceremony, Vietnam's ambassador to the Czech Republic, Duong Hoai Nam, said air links act as a bridge between the two countries. AeroTime reports that he expects the service to deepen the strategic partnership between Vietnam and the Czech Republic and thanked Vietjet for investing in the Czech market.

What this means for travellers

• New low-cost option: travellers from Vietnam now have a Vietjet choice to Central Asia and, via Prague, the EU, with flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
• Kazakhstan access: according to Vietjet, as cited by AeroTime, Vietnamese citizens can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days, which could appeal to leisure travellers.
• Cabin choice: economy, Business and SkyBoss are all on sale on the A330.
• Not yet known: the sources do not give fares, flight times or whether the Almaty stop is a through service, so check the airline's booking pages for details.

Sources: AeroTime; Travel Daily Media.