New A350 service strengthens Vietnam–Europe connectivity and targets rising passenger demand
Vietnam Airlines is set to open a new chapter in its European expansion with the launch of the first direct air service between Vietnam and the Netherlands, connecting HaNoi (Noi Bai International Airport) with Amsterdam Schiphol Airport from June 2026.
The new long-haul route will be operated three times per week using the airline’s Airbus A350 fleet, offering passengers a modern widebody product and improved travel comfort. Flight schedules have been designed to provide convenient departure and arrival times for European travellers, while ensuring seamless onward connections within Viet Nam and across Asia via Ha Noi.
A strategic gateway to Northern Europe
Amsterdam becomes Viet Nam Airlines’ first direct destination in Northern Europe, reinforcing the carrier’s ambition to deepen its presence across the continent. Schiphol Airport is one of Europe’s most important aviation and logistics hubs, offering extensive connectivity to North America, Africa and other global regions.
Nguyen Quang Trung, Deputy Director of Viet Nam Airlines, described the Ha Noi–Amsterdam route as “a major milestone” in the airline’s European network strategy. With the addition of Amsterdam, Viet Nam Airlines will operate 12 routes between Viet Nam and Europe, serving eight destinations: Paris, Frankfurt, London, Munich, Milan, Copenhagen, Moscow and now Amsterdam.
Supporting trade, tourism and people-to-people ties
Beyond aviation, the new route is expected to act as a catalyst for stronger economic integration and cultural exchange between VietNam and the Netherlands. The Netherlands is currently Vietnam’s largest trading partner in Europe, with Vietnamese exports exceeding US$11 billion in 2025, and is also a major investor with approximately US$16 billion in accumulated investment capital.
Travel demand between the two countries is underpinned by a Vietnamese community of nearly 27,000 people living, studying and working in the Netherlands, alongside growing business and tourism flows. According to market data, two-way passenger traffic exceeded 122,000 travellers in 2024 and is expected to continue rising in 2025. Passenger volumes on the Ha Noi–Amsterdam city pair alone are forecast to grow by more than 40% year on year.
Strengthening VietNam’s global profile
As Viet Nam continues to integrate more deeply into global trade and tourism networks, the new Amsterdam service enhances the country’s accessibility and international visibility. For VietNam Airlines, the route further cements its role as a key air bridge between Viet Nam and Europe, while leveraging Amsterdam’s position as a strategic gateway to global markets.
With the deployment of the Airbus A350 and a focus on connectivity and convenience, the HaNoi–Amsterdam route is poised to become a cornerstone of the airline’s long-haul network in the years ahead.