Vietnam and the EU are exploring expanding air connectivity to boost tourism growth.

On December 11th, Mr. Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, met and worked with Mr. Brendon Sobie, an independent consultant and analyst from Sobie Aviation Co., Ltd., to discuss and connect air travel between ASEAN countries and the European Union (EU).

Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, Ha Van Sieu, speaks at the working session. Photo: TITC

During the meeting, Mr. Brendon Sobie stated that Sobie Aviation Ltd. has been tasked by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) with conducting in-depth research on air connectivity between the European Union (EU) and ASEAN, aiming to assess the potential for expanding direct flight routes and their impact on tourism growth.

The study focuses on assessing the prospects for expanding direct air connections between Europe and ASEAN countries, including Vietnam; and analyzing the relationship between increased air routes and tourism growth. The expert team is gathering information from government agencies, airlines, and relevant organizations to develop a framework for proposing a plan for direct EU-ASEAN air connectivity in the future.

Consultant Brendon Sobie shared his insights at the meeting. Photo: TITC

He emphasized that the demand for long-term, seasonal travel from European tourists is shifting strongly towards destinations outside the region, especially Southeast Asia, where tourists prioritize experiencing nature, culture, sustainable tourism, and beach resorts—all of which are strengths of Vietnam.

At the meeting, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, Ha Van Sieu, stated that in the first 11 months of 2025, Vietnam welcomed over 19.1 million international visitors, an increase of 20.9% compared to the same period in 2024; particularly strong growth was seen in European markets including Russia (+190%), the UK (+20.7%), France (+21.4%), Italy (+21.3%), Norway (+19.6%), Poland (+41.7%), Switzerland (+17.1%), and Belgium (+18.4%), thanks to the effectiveness of the Vietnamese Government 's visa exemption policy.

Overview of the working session. Photo: TITC

Deputy Director Ha Van Sieu affirmed that Vietnam is recovering strongly after the pandemic, with 2025 being a period of breakthrough growth. Many strategic infrastructure projects are being implemented, such as Long Thanh Airport (Dong Nai province), upgrading local airports, and expanding the socialization of investment. Currently, Vietnam Airlines also operates direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Paris, Frankfurt, London, Munich, Milan, and several other destinations in Europe. The Deputy Director believes that the potential for expanding flight routes between Vietnam and European countries is enormous.

The two sides pose for a commemorative photo. Photo: TITC

The upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2027 forum, to be held in Phu Quoc, will also open up opportunities to promote direct flights from Europe to Vietnam. Deputy Director Ha Van Sieu stated that Vietnam prioritizes creating a healthy competitive environment among airlines, particularly aiming to attract premium airlines to improve service quality and connectivity, thereby increasing the appeal to the high-end customer segment. The Deputy Director expressed confidence that the flow of tourists between Vietnam and Europe will continue to grow steadily, given the high rate of international travel among Europeans, representing a sustainable and promising source of tourists for Vietnam.

Vietnam National Tourism Administration

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/viet-nam-eu-nghien-cuu-mo-rong-ket-noi-hang-khong-thuc-day-tang-truong-du-lich-20251212105905126.htm