Vietnam Airlines Opens First Nonstop Hanoi–Amsterdam Route

Vietnam Airlines is launching the first-ever nonstop route between Hanoi and Amsterdam in June 2026, removing the need to connect through a Gulf or Southeast Asian hub for travellers flying between northern Vietnam and Western Europe. The route marks a significant step in Vietnam’s aviation ambitions and brings the total journey time between the two capitals well below 12 hours.

For visitors planning a trip from the Netherlands or routing through Amsterdam from elsewhere in Europe, this is the most direct access to northern Vietnam that has ever existed. Hanoi serves as the jumping-off point for Ha Long Bay, Sapa, and Ninh Binh, making the new route particularly useful for travellers whose itineraries are focused on the north rather than Ho Chi Minh City.

What to do on arrival in Hanoi

Noi Bai International Airport is located around 30 kilometres from the Old Quarter. The most reliable options are the official taxi rank outside Arrivals or the airport bus (Route 86 runs to Hoan Kiem Lake). Journey time by taxi is typically 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. We cover transport options in full in our flights to Vietnam guide.

Digital arrival card requirement

All international passengers arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City must now complete a digital arrival card online before landing — submitted through Vietnam’s official immigration portal within 72 hours before departure. This requirement, introduced on 15 April 2026, applies regardless of whether you hold a visa or are entering visa-free. Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport is expected to expand the same system later in 2026, so check requirements when booking.

Visa-free options

Citizens of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan, and South Korea are currently exempt from visas for stays of up to 45 days under arrangements running until March 2028. Most other nationalities can obtain a 90-day e-Visa through the official Vietnam immigration portal. We cover the full details in our Vietnam visa guide.

Other new routes worth noting

Air India launched five weekly nonstop flights from India to Hanoi from May 1, 2026. Cebu Pacific began direct Manila–Ho Chi Minh City services from May 2, adding another low-cost option for connections across Southeast Asia. For travellers building a wider regional itinerary, these new connections meaningfully expand the routing options available beyond the traditional hub carriers.