Arkia to Launch First-Ever Direct Flights Between Tel Aviv and Hanoi Starting January 2026

Israel and Vietnam are set to strengthen their growing economic and tourism ties with the introduction of Arkia’s first-ever direct flight route connecting Tel Aviv to Hanoi. Scheduled to launch on January 5, 2026, this new nonstop service marks a major milestone for both nations, significantly reducing travel time and offering seamless connectivity for business, tourism, and cultural exchange.

Arkia, Israel’s second-largest airline, announced the historic route during a strategic meeting at its headquarters in Tel Aviv. With this, Arkia becomes the first Israeli airline to operate direct flights to Vietnam, underscoring its expansion plans across Asia and tapping into Vietnam’s increasing importance as a regional economic hub.

Arkia’s New Route: Schedule and Capacity

The airline will initially operate one weekly flight between January and June 2026. Due to high projected demand during Israeli holidays, flight frequency is expected to increase to two weekly flights starting March 2026.
The route will utilize wide-body aircraft with a seating capacity of approximately 290 passengers.

Ticket Pricing

• Economy Class: Starting around $1,000 one-way

  
  

• Business Class: Approximately $2,500 one-way

Tickets are already available through Arkia’s website and authorized travel partners.

Strategic Expansion Into a High-Potential Market

Arkia emphasized Vietnam’s growing significance in its Asia-focused strategy. The airline has approached the Vietnam Trade Office in Israel to strengthen partnerships with Vietnamese travel agencies and ticketing operators. The Trade Office has pledged its full support in building long-term tourism and aviation collaboration.

Vietnam’s rapid industrial progress, export growth, and evolving role in global supply chains make it an increasingly attractive destination for Israeli investors and businesses. Its rich cultural heritage and dynamic tourism landscape further position it as a top travel destination in Southeast Asia.

Strengthening Bilateral Economic Ties

The new flight route aligns with the 2020 Protocol amending the Bilateral Air Transport Agreement between Israel and Vietnam. It also complements the Vietnam–Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA), which officially came into effect in November 2024.

Bilateral Trade Snapshot

• 2024 Total Trade: $3.247 billion

• 2025 (Projected): $3.7 billion (14% YoY growth)

• Vietnam’s 2025 Exports to Israel (Jan–Oct): Up 4.1% to $704.3 million

• Israel’s 2025 Exports to Vietnam: Up 22.9% to $2.368 billion

Israel currently operates 45 active investment projects in Vietnam worth $155.9 million, while Vietnam has invested $78.25 million in Israel.

The introduction of Arkia’s direct flight is expected to strengthen these numbers further by making travel more accessible for business delegates, entrepreneurs, and investors.

A New Era for Israel–Vietnam Travel

The new Tel Aviv–Hanoi nonstop service is expected to transform travel between the two nations by offering faster, more efficient connectivity. It will boost tourism, support business expansion, and promote cultural exchange—all while strengthening Israel's aviation presence in Asia.

For Arkia, this route marks a significant step toward becoming a key competitor in the international travel market by expanding its network to high-growth destinations.

With increasing demand, strong bilateral relations, and a rapidly expanding tourism market, Arkia’s Tel Aviv–Hanoi route is poised to become a cornerstone of Israel–Vietnam connectivity starting in 2026.