Vietnamese low-cost carrier VietJet is scheduled to launch direct scheduled flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Malé this December, expanding air connectivity to Southeast Asia as the Maldives enters its annual peak tourism season.
According to airline scheduling notices reported by PSM News, the budget carrier will commence operations on 5 December 2026. The route will be serviced three times weekly, with flights scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays utilizing Airbus A320 aircraft.
The service represents an extension of the carrier's existing route connecting Vietnam's southern commercial hub with Colombo, Sri Lanka. By linking Malé directly to Ho Chi Minh City, aviation analysts anticipate the route will facilitate increased leisure arrivals not only from Vietnam but across wider ASEAN markets, offering a competitive direct alternative to Gulf-based transit options.
Statistics compiled by the Ministry of Tourism indicate that Vietnam currently ranks 65th among inbound source markets to the Maldives. The market generated 2,813 tourist arrivals in 2025 and recorded 2,001 arrivals through the end of August 2026. Industry representatives project that introducing direct, non-stop flight connections will significantly elevate visitor volumes during the 2026–2027 winter season.
To commemorate the route launch, VietJet has introduced promotional promotional zero-fare fare classes on select dates under its international expansion campaign, as noted by Corporate Maldives.
Tourism authorities in Malé have prioritized diversifying source markets across East and Southeast Asia to offset fluctuations in traditional European visitor segments. Direct regional flights have previously demonstrated rapid growth in passenger numbers from emerging outbound markets in the Asia-Pacific region.
Flight reservations and detailed operating schedules are accessible via the carrier’s booking portal at vietjetair.com.
