Vietnam Airlines to launch first nonstop Vietnam-Netherlands service
Vietnam Airlines will add a new European destination to its network with the launch of service between Hanoi and Amsterdam, opening the first nonstop connection between Vietnam and the Netherlands.
The SkyTeam member plans to begin the route on June 16, 2026, operating three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays using Airbus A350 aircraft. Flights will be timed to support onward connections to points including Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc.
“The introduction of the nonstop Hanoi-Amsterdam service represents a key milestone in our European network development,” says Nguyen Quang Trung, executive vice president of Vietnam Airlines. “Establishing operations at one of the world’s leading hubs not only creates new growth opportunities for Vietnam Airlines, but also contributes to deeper economic, trade, investment and cultural ties between Vietnam, the Netherlands and Europe as a whole.”
Sabre Market Intelligence data shows O&D traffic between Vietnam and the Netherlands reached about 122,100 two-way passengers in the 12 months to June 2025, up nearly 14% year on year. All traffic was indirect, with Dubai, Istanbul and Doha the largest one-stop connecting points. The Hanoi-Amsterdam city pair alone recorded 57,000 passengers and growth of more than 19% year on year, highlighting demand for a nonstop option.
Beyond passenger traffic, Vietnam Airlines expects the route to bolster its cargo business by offering faster, more reliable lift between Vietnam and Europe. The airline points to strong demand for exports such as electronics, textiles, agricultural products and seafood, where reduced transit times can improve supply chain efficiency and competitiveness.
The Netherlands is Vietnam’s largest trading partner in Europe, with imports from Vietnam exceeding $11 billion in 2025. The country is also a source of foreign direct investment, with cumulative Dutch investment in Vietnam estimated at around $16 billion. A Vietnamese community of roughly 27,000 people living in the Netherlands adds a steady base of VFR demand.
With the addition of Amsterdam, Vietnam Airlines will serve eight European cities nonstop across 12 routes, including Paris, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Munich, Milan, Copenhagen and Moscow. OAG Schedules Analyser data shows the carrier currently offers about 25,500 two-way weekly seats on Europe-Vietnam services, up 32% year on year, giving it a 44.5% share of total capacity in the market.
The Amsterdam launch also creates alliance opportunities, with both Vietnam Airlines and Dutch carrier KLM members of the SkyTeam, potentially opening the door to further cooperation.
By David Casey – Aviationweek.com – February 9, 2026