HANOI- Vietnam Airlines (VN) is reportedly making significant progress toward introducing direct flights to Copenhagen, Denmark. The airline continues to expand its European network.
This potential new connection aligns with the airline’s strategy to enhance international connectivity. These rumored new flights will cater to the growing demand for travel between Vietnam and the Nordic region, reported CPHSpotlight.dk.
Vietnam Airlines Copenhagen flights
Vietnam Airlines hinted at Copenhagen as a possible new destination in March 2024 for the very first time. In March 2024, its Chairman, Dang Ngoc Hoa, revealed expansion plans for 2025.
With Copenhagen, Milan was also mentioned as a potential destination for the airline’s European network. Later in September 2024, the Hanoi-Milan route was officially announced. The first-ever non-stop flights are scheduled to commence on July 1, 2025. This service will operate three times a week using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, marking Vietnam Airlines’ first-ever connection to Italy.
Since March, Copenhagen has repeatedly surfaced in Vietnam Airlines’ discussions. The most official acknowledgment came from a LinkedIn post earlier this year. In the post, Copenhagen was listed among several potential destinations. Copenhagen was the only European city under consideration at the time.
Strengthening Prospects for Copenhagen Connection
The most recent development in Vietnam Airlines’ plans for a direct Copenhagen route was on February 13, 2025. The Danish Ambassador to Vietnam, Nicolai Prytz, met with the airline’s CEO, Le Hong Ha.
The meeting focused on exploring possibilities for establishing the direct service and securing the necessary support to make the route commercially viable. Vietnam has emerged as a popular destination for Scandinavian and Nordic travelers. Vietnam ranked as the fifth most-visited Southeast Asian country in the region.
According to Vietnam Airlines, Vietnam received approximately 135,000 visitors in 2024 from Scandinavia and the Nordic countries. Vietnam was the fourth largest market in Southeast Asia behind Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia. With a direct flight to Copenhagen, Vietnam could become an even more attractive travel destination for Nordic tourists.
Ambassador Prytz expressed optimism about the route’s potential, emphasizing its ability to strengthen ties between Vietnam and Denmark.
“I hope that Vietnam has the potential to become a new favorite destination in Southeast Asia, especially after the new direct flight route has been established.”
Ambassador Prytz.
SAS partnership and SkyTeam Expansion
Vietnam Airlines is reportedly considering establishing a codeshare agreement with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). The agreement is expected to be finalized in 2025.
This partnership will enhance connectivity between Vietnam and the Nordic region. The agreement will provide travelers with more convenient flight options as both airlines are members of the SkyTeam Alliance.
The partnership will also boost Vietnam Airlines’ presence in Europe, as it will be seamless for passengers to connect between SAS’s extensive Scandinavian network and Vietnam Airlines’ services.
Challenges and Support Needed for Route Viability
Despite the promising prospects, launching a direct route between Vietnam and Denmark requires coordinated efforts from both Vietnamese and Danish authorities. Vietnam Airlines CEO Le Hong Ha emphasized the need for active market stimulation and government cooperation to ensure the route’s success.
“The Danish market is relatively seasonal in terms of tourists and leisure travelers. However, with Denmark and other Nordic countries increasing their investments in Vietnam, we expect business travelers to be able to contribute to filling the flights in the low season,” he explained.
Vietnam Airlines also highlighted the necessity for economic support programs and promotional campaigns from the Danish government to attract more Vietnamese travelers. Denmark, in turn, has expressed strong support for the proposed route, with Ambassador Prytz confirming the country’s commitment to creating favorable conditions for Vietnam Airlines.
“The strategic partnership that Vietnam and Denmark want to develop in the future is based on respect and friendship. From the Danish side, we will support and create favorable conditions for Vietnam Airlines and the Vietnamese aviation industry.”
Ambassador Prytz.
Bottom Line
With growing interest from both Vietnam and Denmark, Vietnam Airlines’ plans for a direct route to Copenhagen are becoming increasingly concrete. The airline’s engagement with Danish authorities and efforts to enter into a partnership with SAS and the SkyTeam Alliance indicate Vietnam Airlines plans to fly to Copenhagen.
On the other hand, Vietnam Airlines will have challenges to face. This includes seasonality and stimulating the market. Vietnam Airlines will need strong bilateral support to pave the way to establish a direct link between Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and Copenhagen in the near future.
If realized, this route would mark a significant step in expanding Vietnam Airlines’ European footprint and further boosting travel between Southeast Asia and the Nordic region.
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