Vietnam Airlines (ICAO: HVN) is the flag carrier of Vietnam, renowned for its extensive network and commitment to enhancing its services.
Vietnam Airlines traces its origins to January 1956, when it was established by the North Vietnamese government as Vietnam Civil Aviation. It was later re-established as a state-owned enterprise in April 1989 and officially became the national flag carrier in 1993, with the formation of the Vietnam Airlines Corporation. The airline has since grown significantly, moving from a minor carrier to a key player in Asian aviation, especially after the US trade embargo was lifted in 1994, allowing for fleet modernization.
The airline operates with a hub system, with its main operational bases at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, Da Nang International Airport (DAD) serves as a secondary hub. Vietnam Airlines boasts a modern fleet, with an average age of under 10 years as of 2025. Its fleet primarily consists of Airbus A321s (A321-200s and A321neos) for short to medium-haul routes, and wide-body Airbus A350-900s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners (787-9s and 787-10s) for longer international flights.
Vietnam Airlines offers an extensive route network, encompassing over 20 domestic destinations within Vietnam and 41 international destinations across 23 countries as of November 2025. Its international reach extends across Asia, Europe, Australia, and, more recently, direct flights to the United States, with plans for further expansion into North America, the Middle East, and India. The airline has been a full member of the SkyTeam Alliance since June 10, 2010, which allows it to offer expanded routes and services through its global network of partners. Notable cabin classes include Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class. Business Class offers flatbed seats on its Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 aircraft, along with priority ground services, lounge access, and enhanced in-flight amenities. Premium Economy provides upgraded product and service quality, including Lotus Lounge access, priority services, and improved food and beverage options.
What Travelers Love:
Common Complaints:
Overall, traveler sentiment towards Vietnam Airlines is generally positive, with many considering it a good value-for-money option, especially for regional travel, appreciating the comfortable flights and friendly service. However, the airline could improve its in-flight catering and address operational inconsistencies, particularly regarding flight punctuality and responsive customer support during unforeseen schedule changes.
Vietnam Airlines maintains a commendable safety record. The airline has not experienced a fatal accident in 27 years and has reported no serious incidents in recent history. In June 2025, a non-fatal incident occurred where a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 clipped the vertical rudder of a stationary Airbus A321 while taxiing at Noi Bai International Airport, resulting in visible damage to both aircraft.
The airline adheres to stringent international aviation safety standards. Vietnam Airlines has consistently passed its IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification without fail since 2006, a globally recognized benchmark for operational safety. The airline is not listed on the EU Air Safety List, further indicating its compliance with international safety regulations. The country of Vietnam has also made significant advancements in aviation safety, including improved airports, navigation systems, and stricter protocols.
Vietnam Airlines operates a modern fleet with an average age of under 10 years, reflecting ongoing investment in newer aircraft and maintenance. This commitment to a young fleet contributes to its overall safety assessment. Based on available data, Vietnam Airlines has a solid safety rating and is recognized for its commitment to passenger safety.
The airline has received several safety awards and recognitions. It was ranked 22nd in the Top 25 Safest Full-Service Airlines in the World for 2025 by AirlineRatings.com. In 2018, it received a 7-star safety ranking from AirlineRatings.com. Furthermore, Vietnam Airlines hosted the IATA World Safety and Operations Conference in 2023, showcasing its leadership and credibility in aviation safety. In 2020, Skytrax awarded Vietnam Airlines a 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating.
| Route | Destination | Flights | Distance | Aircraft | Last Seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HAN → SGN |
Tan Son Nhat Int'l
Ho Chi Minh City
|
306 | 722 mi | A321 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| CXR → HAN |
Noi Bai Int'l
Hanoi
|
204 | 677 mi | A321 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| DAD → SGN |
Tan Son Nhat Int'l
Ho Chi Minh City
|
182 | 376 mi | A321 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| DAD → HAN |
Noi Bai Int'l
Hanoi
|
180 | 391 mi | A321 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| CXR → SGN |
Tan Son Nhat Int'l
Ho Chi Minh City
|
174 | 192 mi | A321 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| HAN → DAD |
Da Nang Int'l
Da Nang
|
165 | 391 mi | A320 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| PQC → SGN |
Tan Son Nhat Int'l
Ho Chi Minh City
|
163 | 186 mi | A321 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| HPH → SGN |
Tan Son Nhat Int'l
Ho Chi Minh City
|
137 | 692 mi | A321 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| SGN → HAN |
Noi Bai Int'l
Hanoi
|
125 | 722 mi | 787 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| DLI → SGN |
Tan Son Nhat Int'l
Ho Chi Minh City
|
111 | 133 mi | A321 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| DLI → HAN |
Noi Bai Int'l
Hanoi
|
83 | 677 mi | A320 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| SGN → DAD |
Da Nang Int'l
Da Nang
|
76 | 376 mi | A321 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| HAN → CXR |
Cam Ranh
Nha Trang
|
64 | 677 mi | A321 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| THD → SGN |
Tan Son Nhat Int'l
Ho Chi Minh City
|
63 | 633 mi | A320 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| HAN → HUI |
Phu Bai
Huê
|
56 | 356 mi | A321 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| SAI → SGN |
Tan Son Nhat Int'l
Ho Chi Minh City
|
56 | 241 mi | A321 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| SAI → HAN |
Noi Bai Int'l
Hanoi
|
55 | 553 mi | A321 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| HAN → BKK |
Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Int'l
Bangkok
|
52 | 619 mi | A321 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| VCS → SGN |
Tan Son Nhat Int'l
Ho Chi Minh City
|
50 | 144 mi | UNKNOWN | Nov 30, 2025 |
| ICN → CXR |
Cam Ranh
Nha Trang
|
48 | 2059 mi | A321 | Dec 6, 2025 |
| PQC → HAN |
Noi Bai Int'l
Hanoi
|
45 | 774 mi | A321 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| SGN → PQC |
Phu Quoc International
Phu Quoc
|
40 | 186 mi | A321 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| DLI → DAD |
Da Nang Int'l
Da Nang
|
40 | 297 mi | A321 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| HUI → SGN |
Tan Son Nhat Int'l
Ho Chi Minh City
|
37 | 393 mi | A321 | Nov 27, 2025 |
| HPH → DAD |
Da Nang Int'l
Da Nang
|
37 | 344 mi | A321 | Dec 6, 2025 |
Airline statistics are based on flight route observations collected from FlightAware AeroAPI and other sources. Flight counts represent observed operations, not scheduled frequencies. Route data is continuously updated as new flight information becomes available.