Vietnam and Newzealand opens direct flight in June 2016

It is great news for travelers between New Zealand and Vietnam during June to October 2016 as the Air New Zealand announced that it would open direct flights between Auckland and Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport during this time with the potential to expand the season in subsequent years. There will be 3 flights per week. So when the decision comes into service, it will take around only 11 hours to fly from Auckland to Ho Chi Minh City or vice versa without any transit, it makes the travel much more convenient.

According to Chief Executive Officer of the Air New Zealand Christopher Luxon, selecting HCM City as a new international destination was in line with the airline’s strategy Pacific Rim focus as the city is more attractive to Kiwi travellers.

Vietnam is growing in popularity as a holiday destination with the number of New Zealanders with about 15,000 travelling these in the last year. This is expected to grow sharply with Air New Zealand’s new services.

“We believe the direct flight to Ho Chi Minh is likely to open up the central Vietnam beaches, to become more of a relaxation destination,” he said.

To visit Vietnam, all New Zealand passport holders need a valid Vietnam visa. As traveling to the country by air, New Zealand citizens, in addition to apply for Vietnam visa via Vietnam embassy, may apply for Vietnam visa on arrival to save time and cost.