VIETNAM AIRLINES INTRODUCES NEW DIRECT SERVICE BETWEEN HANOI AND CEBU

Vietnam Airlines has officially inaugurated its direct service between Hanoi (HAN) and Cebu (CEB), marking a significant addition to the airline’s expanding international network. This new route strengthens connectivity between Vietnam and Southeast Asia while offering travellers more opportunities to discover some of the region’s most renowned resort destinations.

Flight VN643, operated by an Airbus A321 and carrying about 100 passengers, departed Noi Bai International Airport at 22:50 on 2 December and landed at Cebu International Airport at 03:30 local time on 3 December. To celebrate the route opening, Vietnam Airlines held welcome activities at both airports and presented gifts to passengers on the inaugural flight.

The Hanoi to Cebu route is Vietnam Airlines’ first direct link between the Vietnamese capital and the Philippines’ popular tourist destination. Cebu is celebrated for its pristine island landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse travel experiences, from tranquil beach escapes and world-class water sports to vibrant dining scenes and nature adventures, making it an ideal place for leisure travellers across the region.

Flights from Hanoi to Cebu will depart every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Return flights from Cebu to Hanoi will operate every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. With a direct flight time of just three hours, Vietnam Airlines significantly shortens the journey between Hanoi and Cebu, making travel more convenient than ever before.

The new service enhances travel for Vietnamese visitors to Cebu, while also opening the door for travellers from the Philippines to experience Hanoi, celebrated for its culinary heritage and proximity to iconic attractions such as Ha Long, Ninh Binh and Sapa.

Dang Anh Tuan, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines, said: “The Hanoi to Cebu service represents more than just a new route. It strengthens cultural and economic connections between Vietnam and the region, creating new opportunities for travel and collaboration. Vietnam Airlines is dedicated to providing safe, and high-quality services that promote tourism and foster closer ties between the two countries.”

The launch of the direct Hanoi to Cebu service aligns with Vietnam Airlines’ strategy to expand its international network, particularly in Southeast Asia, a high potential market with strong tourism growth. This new route will further promote tourism, trade and cultural exchange between Vietnam and the Philippines, contributing to the development of regional aviation and tourism. 

ENDS

About Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines, a member of SkyTeam Alliance, is the flag carrier of Vietnam, connecting the world’s most thriving destinations with nearly 100 routes to 22 domestic and 30 international destinations in 18 countries.  Vietnam Airlines boasts one of the youngest and most modern fleets in Asia, highlighted by their Boeing 787-9 and -10 Dreamliners, Airbus A350-900 XWBs and Airbus A320, A321neos, offering impeccable level of comfort and service throughout every journey. 

The carrier is recognised as one of the region’s leading airlines thanks to its modern fleet and its commitment towards innovation, digitalisation and development — earning it international acclaim as validated by numerous prestigious awards including Top 25 World’s Safest Airlines for 2025, Top 20 World’s Best Airlines for 2025, World's Best Value Premium Economy, Top 20 World’s Best Airline by Airline Ratings (2023); Global 5 Star Airline 2023, Major 5 Star Airline 2024 by APEX; Skytrax’s 4 Star Airline for four consecutive years; numerous awards by the World Travel Awards such as “World’s Leading Airline – Premium Economy Class” and “World’s Leading Cultural Airline” (2017, 2018), “Asia’s Leading Airline – Economy Class” and “Asia’s Leading Cultural Airline”; and “Asia Pacific Airline of the Year” by CAPA (2017). These achievements stand as a testament to the airline’s quality across a range of products and services. 

Vietnam Airlines also implements many sustainable development solutions. Not only raising awareness and encouraging innovation, the airline hopes to join hands with airlines around the world to shape the future of the global aviation industry, together reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. 

Vietnam Airlines has spearheaded Vietnam’s aviation market – one of the fastest-growing domestic markets in the world – throughout 30 years of development at a double-digit annual growth rate. Positioning itself as a modern carrier characterised by high quality services embedded with Vietnamese unique cultural identity, Vietnam Airlines aims to be designated as a 5-star, leading Asian airline.  

For further press information please contact:  

Leanne Barton (leanne@frogandwolfpr.com), Nat Frogley (nat@frogandwolfpr.com) or Flora Gandolfo (flora@frogandwolfpr.com) at Frog & Wolf PR.