AirAsia awarded Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline 2021 & Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew 2021 at 28th World Travel Awards (AirAsia.com)
On January 10, AirAsia Philippines announced the launch of direct flights from Manila to Hanoi and Da Nang starting 20 March, marking its entry into one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing tourism markets. The airline will operate four weekly flights to each destination, targeting Filipino travellers drawn to Vietnam’s affordability and cultural appeal. The move comes as Vietnam emerges as a top destination for Filipinos, overtaking markets such as the US and South Korea in visitor numbers.
Business implications
The expansion signals intensifying competition on Vietnam routes, where AirAsia will challenge established players such as Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. For AirAsia, the routes strengthen its regional network and tap into strong outbound demand, while low promotional fares could stimulate price-sensitive travel. More broadly, improved connectivity may help rebalance tourism flows by encouraging Vietnamese visitors to the Philippines, supporting regional tourism recovery and cross-border travel within Southeast Asia.
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