Vietnam Airlines, Etihad Airways launch codeshare to expand Middle East connections
Vietnam Airlines and United Arab Emirates flag carrier Etihad Airways have launched a codeshare partnership that becomes effective on Friday, expanding seamless connections for travelers moving between Vietnam, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.
Under the agreement, flights operated by Vietnam Airlines now carry Etihad’s EY code, while Etihad flights display Vietnam Airlines’ VN code.
The arrangement allows passengers to book a single itinerary and check in once while traveling across both networks.
From Hanoi, travelers can now connect more easily to Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Istanbul, Athens, Muscat, Cairo, and Addis Ababa.
In the opposite direction, passengers arriving from Abu Dhabi can transit smoothly through Hanoi to destinations across Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia on Vietnam Airlines’ network.
The Vietnamese national carrier recently expanded its international cooperation by signing a codeshare agreement with Singapore Airlines effective from October 26.
Nguyen Quang Trung, head of corporate planning and development at Vietnam Airlines, said the partnership builds on the 2024 memorandum of understanding and recognizes Etihad Airways as one of the world’s leading airlines.
The codeshare and joint frequent-flyer program, he added, will create more travel choices and strengthen tourism and economic links between Vietnam and the UAE.
Arik De, chief revenue and commercial officer at Etihad Airways, said the tie-up gives Etihad customers wider access to attractive destinations in Asia.
He added that the Abu Dhabi-Hanoi service, launched recently, has been well received, and the codeshare will further enhance flexibility and the passenger experience.
In 2024, the two carriers signed an MoU covering cooperation in passenger transport, cargo, ground services, maintenance, and engineering.
Beginning July 2025, members of Lotusmiles and Etihad Guest will be able to earn and redeem miles across the combined route network under a shared frequent-flyer program.
By Cong Trung – Tuoi Tre News – November 20, 2025