Vietnam Airlines has opened a new chapter in its European network with the launch of nonstop flights between Hanoi and Amsterdam, creating the first direct air service between Vietnam and the Netherlands.

The new route officially began on 16 June 2026, linking Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport with Amsterdam Schiphol Airport three times a week. Operated by wide-body Airbus A350 aircraft, the service gives travellers a more direct way to move between Southeast Asia and one of Europe’s most important aviation gateways.
For Vietnam Airlines, the launch is more than another route announcement. It reflects the carrier’s wider ambition to strengthen Vietnam’s international connectivity and position Hanoi as a more prominent hub for long-haul travel between Asia and Europe.
A New Direct Link Between Vietnam And The Netherlands
Until now, passengers travelling between Vietnam and the Netherlands generally had to connect through another major hub, often in the Middle East, elsewhere in Europe or another Asian gateway. The arrival of a nonstop Hanoi–Amsterdam service removes that extra layer of travel friction.
The route operates three times weekly, with flights scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. For leisure travellers, that opens up simpler itineraries between northern Vietnam and the Netherlands. For business passengers, it creates a more efficient connection between two markets with growing trade, tourism and investment ties.
Amsterdam Schiphol is also one of Europe’s most connected airports, giving passengers from Vietnam access to onward travel across the Netherlands and wider Europe. At the same time, Dutch and European travellers now have a more convenient route into Hanoi, northern Vietnam and Vietnam Airlines’ domestic and regional network.

Why Amsterdam Matters
Amsterdam is an important addition to Vietnam Airlines’ European map.
The Dutch capital is one of Europe’s leading travel, business and logistics centres, combining strong air connectivity with major tourism appeal. Travellers arriving in Amsterdam can easily connect to destinations across the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Scandinavia, France and beyond.
For visitors, the city remains one of Europe’s most recognisable short-break destinations, known for its canals, museums, cycling culture, historic architecture, design scene and relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere. For Vietnamese travellers, the new direct flight makes Amsterdam easier to reach without the inconvenience of a stopover.
The route also works in the opposite direction. Vietnam continues to grow as one of Asia’s most attractive travel destinations, with Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta all drawing international interest. A direct Amsterdam–Hanoi link gives European travellers a cleaner entry point into the country.
Hanoi As A Gateway To Vietnam
For travellers arriving from the Netherlands, Hanoi offers one of the most atmospheric introductions to Vietnam.
The capital is known for its Old Quarter, lakes, temples, French colonial architecture, street food, coffee culture and energetic daily life. It is also a strong starting point for exploring northern Vietnam, especially for visitors heading to Ha Long Bay, the mountain landscapes of Sapa, the rice fields of Mai Chau or the limestone scenery of Ninh Binh.
By launching Amsterdam flights into Hanoi rather than only focusing on southern Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines is placing greater emphasis on the north of the country as a long-haul arrival point. That could benefit both inbound tourism and regional connectivity.
Travellers can use Hanoi as a base for cultural journeys, nature-focused itineraries or onward domestic flights with Vietnam Airlines to other parts of the country.
A Boost For Tourism, Trade And Connectivity
The new service is likely to support more than holiday travel.
Vietnam and the Netherlands have strong economic ties, particularly in areas such as logistics, agriculture, technology, water management, manufacturing and trade. A direct air route can help support business travel, cargo movement, tourism development and cultural exchange between the two countries.

For Vietnam Airlines, the route also strengthens its position in Europe at a time when long-haul travel demand continues to recover and evolve. Travellers are increasingly looking for more efficient direct flights, especially on longer journeys where avoiding a connection can save time and reduce stress.
The use of the Airbus A350 also gives the route a modern long-haul product, with wide-body comfort suited to both business and leisure passengers.
A Strategic Step For Vietnam Airlines
The Hanoi–Amsterdam service fits into Vietnam Airlines’ broader international growth strategy.
As Vietnam’s national carrier, the airline plays a central role in connecting the country with key global markets. Adding Amsterdam gives the airline another foothold in Europe and strengthens Hanoi’s role as a long-haul departure and arrival point.
It also arrives at a time when Vietnam’s tourism profile remains strong. The country continues to attract travellers looking for culture, food, beaches, history, nature, wellness and multi-city itineraries. Easier air access from Europe can only make that proposition stronger.
For Dutch travellers, the route simplifies the journey to Vietnam. For Vietnamese travellers, it opens a more direct path to the Netherlands and beyond. For the travel industry, it adds a useful new connection between two markets with clear potential.
The launch of Vietnam Airlines’ nonstop Hanoi–Amsterdam service is therefore more than a scheduling update. It is a meaningful aviation link between Southeast Asia and Europe, one that should make travel smoother, support tourism growth and give both Vietnam and the Netherlands a stronger place on each other’s travel maps.

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