Vietnam’s flag carrier is mounting a direct flight between Hanoi and Cebu, marking the first-ever connection in a corridor that shows growth potential for Southeast Asian airlines.
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) yesterday announced it would soon host direct flights from Hanoi through Vietnam’s flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines.
‘For the first time ever, Cebu will soon be directly connected to Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, via Vietnam Airlines,’ MCIA said in a social media post.
Vietnam Airlines will be testing the market starting Dec. 3, setting up thrice a week flights for the route. The airline is deploying an Airbus A321, which can seat at least 178 guests, for the four-hour flight.
Flight VN 643 operates every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, departing Hanoi at 10:50 p.m. and arriving in Cebu at 3:30 a.m. Flight VN 642 is scheduled every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, flying out of Cebu at 4:45 p.m. and landing in Hanoi at 7:35 p.m.
Right now, Vietnam Airlines flies daily to Manila from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, competing with domestic carriers Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines (PAL) in that market.
However, Vietnam Airlines has no rival in the Hanoi-Cebu corridor, with both Cebu Pacific and PAL focused on the demand for Ho Chi Minh flights.
The two offer thrice-weekly flights between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh, acknowledging the growing desire of Filipinos to visit Vietnam, which is considered as the most budget-friendly destination in Southeast Asia currently.
Based on data from the Department of Tourism, Vietnam is becoming a preferred destination by thousands of Filipinos. Vietnam has received 237,157 Filipinos as of end-August, making it the ninth most visited overseas destination.
On the other hand, the Philippines welcomed just 23,237 Vietnamese during the period. Vietnam is 22nd on the list of countries with the most visitor arrivals into the Philippines.
Southeast Asia’s tourism giants Thailand and Malaysia are watching Vietnam, as it is fast becoming a travel magnet for its budget adventures, cultural heritage and natural sceneries.
Hanoi, for one, is gaining traction among tourists as the jump-off point for provincial attractions like Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa, and on its own the city is popular for its ancient temples and coffee community.