Key Takeaways
• Vietnam Airlines starts direct Ho Chi Minh-Copenhagen flights Dec 15, 2025, thrice weekly with Boeing 787-9.
• Round-trip tickets start at USD1,850; flights cut travel time by removing layovers.
• New route boosts tourism, business, and trade between Vietnam and Denmark with diplomatic support.
Vietnam Airlines Sets Milestone with First-Ever Vietnam–Denmark Flights
Vietnam Airlines has announced a major step in its international growth by launching the first nonstop flights between Vietnam and Denmark. This new route, connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Copenhagen, is set to begin on December 15, 2025. The move is not just a win for the airline but also a significant development for travelers, businesses, and the broader relationship between Vietnam 🇻🇳 and Denmark 🇩🇰.
Who, What, When, Where, and Why
Vietnam Airlines, the national carrier of Vietnam 🇻🇳, will start direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and Copenhagen (CPH) on December 15, 2025. The flights will run three times a week, using the modern Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This is the first time travelers will be able to fly directly between the two countries without a layover, making trips faster and more comfortable.
The decision to launch these flights comes after more than a year of planning, discussions, and cooperation between Vietnamese and Danish officials. The goal is to make travel easier for tourists, businesspeople, and families, while also boosting trade and cultural exchange between the two countries.
Flight Schedule and Ticket Details
Vietnam Airlines has released the official schedule for the new Vietnam-Denmark flights:
- VN039: Leaves Ho Chi Minh City at 22:45 and arrives in Copenhagen at 06:00 the next day (operates Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays)
- VN038: Leaves Copenhagen at 10:50 and arrives in Ho Chi Minh City at 04:30 the next day (operates Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays)
Tickets are already on sale, with round-trip economy fares starting at VND45,698,000 (about USD1,850). This pricing puts the route in line with other long-haul flights between Southeast Asia and Europe.
Why This Route Matters
This new service is more than just another flight. It marks a turning point for Vietnam Airlines and for travel between Southeast Asia and Northern Europe. Until now, people traveling between Vietnam and Denmark had to make at least one stop, often in another European city or in the Middle East. This added hours to the journey and made travel less convenient.
By offering a direct link, Vietnam Airlines is making it easier for:
- Tourists: Danish and other Nordic travelers can reach Vietnam’s beaches, cities, and cultural sites faster.
- Vietnamese community in Denmark: Families can visit each other more easily, and students can travel home during holidays without long layovers.
- Business travelers: Companies in both countries can send staff back and forth more quickly, helping trade and investment.
- Cargo and trade: Direct flights can also help move goods faster, supporting businesses in both countries.
Background: How the Route Came to Be
The idea for direct Vietnam-Denmark flights has been in the works since at least March 2024. At that time, Vietnam Airlines’ Chairman Dang Ngoc Hoa mentioned Copenhagen as a possible new European destination, along with Milan. While Milan was confirmed first, Copenhagen remained a top priority.
A key moment came on February 13, 2025, when Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolai Prytz met with Vietnam Airlines’ CEO Le Hong Ha. They discussed what was needed to make the route work, including support from both governments and ways to make the flights profitable. Ambassador Prytz said he hoped Vietnam would become a favorite destination for Danish travelers, especially with the new direct flights.
This diplomatic support was crucial. Starting a new long-haul route is expensive and risky, especially when there is no history of direct service between the two countries. Both sides needed to be sure there would be enough demand to fill the planes and keep the route going.
Vietnam Airlines’ European Network: A Growing Web
The Copenhagen route will be Vietnam Airlines’ ninth destination in Europe. The airline already flies to:
- France 🇫🇷
- Germany 🇩🇪
- Russia 🇷🇺
- United Kingdom 🇬🇧
In addition to Copenhagen, Vietnam Airlines will also start flights to Milan, Italy 🇮🇹, on July 1, 2025. Both new routes will use the Boeing 787-9, a modern, fuel-efficient plane that is well-suited for long trips.
This expansion is part of a bigger plan to connect Vietnam with more parts of the world. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these new routes are designed to meet growing demand from both tourists and business travelers, while also helping Vietnam Airlines recover financially after a tough few years.
Why Copenhagen? Market Demand and Opportunity
Vietnam Airlines chose Copenhagen for several reasons:
- Growing travel demand: In 2024, about 135,000 people from Scandinavia and the Nordic region visited Vietnam. This makes the region the fourth largest source of visitors to Southeast Asia, after Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
- No direct competition: Until now, there were no nonstop flights between Vietnam and Denmark. This gives Vietnam Airlines a first-mover advantage.
- Strong business and cultural ties: Denmark and Vietnam have been working closely together in areas like trade, education, and green energy. Direct flights will help deepen these connections.
Challenges: What Vietnam Airlines Must Overcome
Launching a new long-haul route is never easy. Vietnam Airlines faces several hurdles:
- Limited Aircraft: The airline has a small number of long-range planes. After a few more Airbus A350s are delivered, there are no big orders for new widebody aircraft. This means every new route must be chosen carefully.
- Seasonal Demand: Travel between Europe and Southeast Asia can be very busy in summer but much quieter in winter. Vietnam Airlines will need to adjust its schedule and pricing to keep planes full year-round.
- Building Awareness: Since there has never been a direct flight before, the airline will need to work hard to let people know about the new option and encourage them to try it.
- Government Support: Both Vietnam and Denmark will need to keep working together to make sure the route succeeds, including making it easy for travelers to get visas and promoting tourism.
The Boeing 787-9: The Right Plane for the Job
Vietnam Airlines will use the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for the Vietnam-Denmark flights. This aircraft is known for:
- Long range: It can fly nonstop between Ho Chi Minh City and Copenhagen without refueling.
- Fuel efficiency: The 787-9 uses less fuel than older planes, helping keep costs down.
- Passenger comfort: The Dreamliner has larger windows, quieter engines, and better air quality, making long flights more pleasant.
Using the Boeing 787-9 also allows Vietnam Airlines to offer a mix of economy, premium economy, and business class seats, meeting the needs of different travelers.
How Will This Affect Travelers and Stakeholders?
For Vietnamese Travelers and the Diaspora
- Easier family visits: Vietnamese families living in Denmark can visit home more often, especially during holidays.
- More choices: Travelers can now pick a direct flight instead of connecting through other cities, saving time and hassle.
For Danish and Nordic Tourists
- Faster access to Vietnam: Tourists from Denmark and nearby countries can reach Vietnam’s beaches, cities, and cultural sites more easily.
- New travel opportunities: The direct flight may encourage more people to visit Vietnam for the first time.
For Businesses
- Improved trade: Companies can move goods and people between the two countries more quickly.
- Investment: Easier travel can help attract investment in both directions.
For the Airline Industry
- Increased competition: Other airlines may respond by adding their own flights or improving connections, which could benefit travelers with more options and better prices.
For Immigration and Visa Policy
Direct flights often lead to more people applying for visas, both for tourism and business. Both countries may need to review their visa processes to handle increased demand. For travelers planning to visit Vietnam, information about visa requirements and application forms can be found on the official Vietnamese government portal.
Vietnam Airlines’ Broader Expansion Plans
The Copenhagen route is just one part of Vietnam Airlines’ larger international strategy. The airline is also looking at new routes to:
- North America: Los Angeles, Seattle, and Vancouver
- Asia: Dubai, Bangalore, and Dhaka
These plans show that Vietnam Airlines is aiming to become a major player in global aviation, connecting Vietnam with key cities around the world.
Upgrades at Home: New Terminal in Ho Chi Minh City
To support its growing network, Vietnam Airlines has moved all domestic flights to the new Terminal 3 at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. This change, which took effect on May 17, 2025, is expected to make operations smoother and improve the travel experience for passengers.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Vietnam Airlines and the Vietnam-Denmark Route?
With the launch date set for December 15, 2025, Vietnam Airlines will focus on:
- Marketing: Promoting the new route to both Vietnamese and Danish travelers.
- Partnerships: Working with other airlines, especially those in the SkyTeam Alliance and possibly SAS, to offer easy connections to other cities in Scandinavia and Europe.
- Customer service: Making sure travelers have a smooth experience, from booking tickets to arriving at their destination.
If the route proves popular, Vietnam Airlines may add more flights or consider new destinations in the Nordic region.
What Should Travelers Do Now?
- Book early: With only three flights per week, seats may fill up quickly, especially during holidays.
- Check visa requirements: Make sure you have the right documents before you travel. Visit the official Vietnamese visa website for up-to-date information.
- Watch for deals: Airlines often offer special fares when launching new routes, so keep an eye out for promotions.
Conclusion: A New Era for Vietnam-Denmark Travel
The launch of direct Vietnam-Denmark flights by Vietnam Airlines is a big step forward for both countries. It will make travel easier, support business and tourism, and bring people closer together. By choosing the Boeing 787-9 for this route, Vietnam Airlines is showing its commitment to comfort and efficiency.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this new service is expected to boost ties between Vietnam and Denmark and could lead to even more connections in the future. For travelers, businesses, and families, the new route opens up a world of possibilities.
For more details about Vietnam Airlines, the Vietnam-Denmark flights, or the Boeing 787-9, visit the official Vietnam Airlines website. For visa and immigration information, always check the official Vietnamese government portal before you travel.
Key Takeaways:
- Vietnam Airlines will start direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Copenhagen on December 15, 2025.
- Flights will run three times a week using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
- Tickets are on sale now, with round-trip fares starting at about USD1,850.
- The new route will make travel easier for tourists, families, and businesses.
- Vietnam Airlines is expanding its global network, with more new routes planned for Europe, North America, and Asia.
- Travelers should book early and check visa requirements before flying.
This new chapter in Vietnam Airlines’ story promises to bring Vietnam and Denmark closer than ever before, making travel simpler and opening doors for everyone.
Learn Today
Boeing 787-9 → A modern, fuel-efficient widebody aircraft designed for long-range international flights with enhanced passenger comfort.
Vietnam Airlines → The national airline carrier of Vietnam, expanding its global network with new direct routes.
Direct Flight → A nonstop airline service between two cities without intermediate stops or layovers.
SkyTeam Alliance → A global airline alliance that Vietnam Airlines is part of, facilitating international connections.
Visa → An official document allowing foreign nationals to enter, stay, or transit through a country.
This Article in a Nutshell
Vietnam Airlines launches its first nonstop flights connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Copenhagen starting December 15, 2025. Operating thrice weekly with Boeing 787-9 planes, this route promises faster travels, stronger business ties, and enhanced cultural exchange, marking a milestone in Southeast Asia-Northern Europe connectivity.
— By VisaVerge.com
