Vietjet launches Hanoi–Prague route via Almaty

Vietjet, a Vietnamese low-cost airline, began operating a new route connecting Hanoi, Vietnam, to Prague, Czech Republic, via Almaty, Kazakhstan, on October 10, 2026. The service runs twice a week using an Airbus A330-300 aircraft, marking Vietjet’s first entry into the European Union.

Route includes a stop in Central Asia

The Hanoi–Prague route includes a stop in Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. This means the journey is not direct but involves a technical stop in Central Asia. The airline also sells tickets for the Almaty–Prague segment separately, offering a regional component to the intercontinental route.

Flight schedule and aircraft details

Vietjet operates two round-trip flights per week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Flights from Hanoi depart at 8:25 AM and arrive in Prague at 6:55 PM. Return flights leave Prague at 8:55 PM and arrive in Hanoi the next day at 4:20 AM. The Airbus A330-300 used has 377 seats and offers multiple service tiers, including economy, business, and a Deluxe option with added amenities.

Fifth freedom rights enable regional service

The Almaty–Prague segment of the route is made possible by fifth freedom rights, a legal mechanism that allows airlines to operate flights between two foreign countries as part of a route that originates or ends in their home country. This right was announced by Kazakhstan’s civil aviation authority in March 2026, and Vietjet is the only regular operator on both segments of the new route.

Prague chosen for tourism and family travel

Prague was selected as a destination due to strong demand between the Czech Republic and Vietnam. In 2025, over 75,000 people traveled between the two cities in both directions. The new route is expected to benefit the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic and support tourism and economic exchanges, with Vietnam serving as a gateway to Southeast Asia.

Part of broader European expansion

The Hanoi–Prague route is the first of many planned European destinations for Vietjet. The airline aims to expand its network across Europe, linking it with Asia and Australia. This move is also part of a growing partnership with Kazakh carrier Qazaq Air, reflecting Vietjet’s increasing focus on Central Asia as it expands internationally.