Vietnam adds new international flight routes in 2026 and launches Digi Yatra trial
Vietnam expands its airline network with new direct international routes and India starts an international Digi Yatra trial. The routes begin operating at various points throughout 2026, affecting travelers flying to or from Vietnam, India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Kazakhstan.
Dans cet article
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L’essentiel
- What changes
- Multiple new direct international flights launch from Vietnam and Digi Yatra trial begins in India
- Timing
- Routes start between July and November 2026; Digi Yatra trial starts 1 November 2026
- Who is affected
- Travelers flying to or from Vietnam, India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan and related airports
Les détails
- Nouvelle règle
- Vietnam adds several direct international routes and India tests Digi Yatra for eligible e‑passport holders on selected flights.
New Direct Flight Routes Across Vietnam and Neighbouring Countries
Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet have introduced a series of direct services linking Ho Chi Minh City with major Asian destinations. The Ho Chi Minh City–Phuket route began on 2 July 2026 with four weekly flights, while the Ho Chi Minh City–Chiang Mai connection was restored later in the year with a similar frequency. Sri Lanka now receives three weekly Ho Chi Minh City–Colombo flights from 16 August 2026, complemented by Vietjet’s matching service from 18 August. A Hanoi–Ahmedabad service is scheduled to start on 3 November 2026, offering four weekly return flights. Additionally, Vietjet launched a twice‑weekly Hanoi–Almaty–Prague service on 10 October 2026, providing a fifth‑freedom option for travelers.
These routes expand travel choices but operate on limited schedules. Passengers should verify the exact days of operation and confirm that their intended travel dates align with the published frequencies before booking.
- Ho Chi Minh City–Phuket: four weekly flights, launched 2 July 2026
- Ho Chi Minh City–Chiang Mai: four weekly flights, restored 2026
- Ho Chi Minh City–Colombo: three weekly flights, launched 16‑18 August 2026
- Hanoi–Ahmedabad: four weekly flights, scheduled from 3 November 2026
- Hanoi–Almaty–Prague: twice‑weekly, launched 10 October 2026
India’s Digi Yatra International Trial
India began testing its Digi Yatra system for international travel on 1 November 2026 at six major airports, including Delhi and Mumbai. The trial is limited to Indian nationals who hold e‑passports and travel on selected Air India and IndiGo international flights. Participants create a digital credential using the passport chip, an NFC‑enabled smartphone and a selfie, which is then presented at enabled immigration checkpoints.
The trial does not replace standard immigration checks; travelers must still carry their passports and complete airline verification. Vietnamese carriers are not listed among participating airlines.
- Eligibility: Indian e‑passport holders on Air India or IndiGo international flights
- Trial airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi, Amritsar
- Credential creation: passport chip, NFC phone, selfie
- Standard immigration checks remain mandatory
Airport Changes and Digital Entry Requirements
Vietnam’s Long Thanh International Airport is slated to begin operations on 24 December 2026, initially handling 20–30 flights daily with Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet. Travelers should verify whether their ticket lists Tan Son Nhat or Long Thanh as the arrival airport. Separate digital entry measures are in place across the region: Thailand requires a free Digital Arrival Card submitted within three days before arrival; Kazakhstan’s QazETA system became voluntary on 1 November 2026 for visa‑free visitors, moving to compulsory use in July 2027; Sri Lanka continues to require ETA verification via its official portal.
These digital processes do not replace passport or visa requirements but must be completed before travel to avoid entry delays.
- Long Thanh Airport opening: 24 December 2026
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card: free, submit ≤3 days before arrival
- Kazakhstan QazETA: voluntary from 1 Nov 2026, compulsory from July 2027
- Sri Lanka ETA: check official portal for nationality‑specific entry
Ce que cela change pour les voyageurs
Préparation du voyage
- Check that any newly launched route is operating on your intended travel dates before confirming a booking.
- Verify the airport code on tickets for Vietnam arrivals, as Long Thanh Airport may replace Tan Son Nhat after 24 December 2026.
- If travelling on an eligible Indian e‑passport, enrol in Digi Yatra before departure on participating airlines.
- Review digital arrival card requirements for Thailand, Kazakhstan and Sri Lanka well before travel.
Coût et documents
- No additional fees are introduced for the new flight routes.
- Digi Yatra trial requires an e‑passport, NFC‑enabled phone and a selfie to create the digital credential.
- Travelers must still carry their passports and complete standard immigration checks.
- Thailand’s Digital Arrival Card remains free but must be submitted within three days before arrival.
Ce que vous devez faire
- Indian nationals with e‑passports should register for Digi Yatra before traveling on Air India or IndiGo international flights.
- Passengers on new Vietnam routes should confirm flight schedules and airport terminals before booking.
- Check visa or ETA requirements for Thailand, Kazakhstan and Sri Lanka according to your nationality.
- Monitor airline announcements for any adjustments to launch dates of the new services.
Qui est concerné
-
Vietnam travelers on new international routes
New direct flights to India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan and other destinations have been launched.
À faire Check schedules and airport codes before booking or traveling.
-
Indian e‑passport holders
Eligible for the Digi Yatra international trial on selected flights.
À faire Create a digital credential via the Digi Yatra app before travel.
-
Passengers transiting through Almaty, Kazakhstan
New Hanoi–Almaty–Prague fifth‑freedom service and QazETA rollout affect entry and transit procedures.
À faire Verify entry rules and digital ETA requirements before departure.
-
Travelers using Ho Chi Minh City airports after December 2026
Long Thanh International Airport will begin operations, potentially changing arrival airports.
À faire Confirm the airport listed on your ticket and arrange transport accordingly.
-
Tourists to Thailand, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka
Digital arrival forms or ETA systems are required for entry.
À faire Complete the relevant online forms before travel.
Questions fréquentes
What new direct flights are available from Vietnam in 2026?
Vietnam now offers direct services from Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket, Chiang Mai, Colombo and from Hanoi to Ahmedabad, Almaty and Prague, with launch dates ranging from July to November 2026 and frequencies of two to four flights per week.
When does India's Digi Yatra international trial start?
The Digi Yatra international trial began on 1 November 2026 at six major Indian airports and is limited to Indian nationals holding e‑passports on selected Air India and IndiGo international flights.
Do I need a visa for Thailand if I fly directly from Vietnam?
A visa may still be required depending on nationality, but all non‑Thai visitors must submit a free Thailand Digital Arrival Card online within three days before arrival, regardless of the flight route.
Will my flight to Ho Chi Minh City switch to Long Thanh Airport?
Long Thanh International Airport is scheduled to open on 24 December 2026; travelers should check whether their ticket lists Tan Son Nhat or Long Thanh as the arrival airport and plan ground transport accordingly.
How often do the new Hanoi–Almaty–Prague flights operate?
The Hanoi–Almaty–Prague service operates twice weekly, with the first flights departing on 10 October 2026, offering a fifth‑freedom option for passengers traveling between Vietnam and Europe via Kazakhstan.
Can I use Digi Yatra on any airline?
No, the Digi Yatra international trial currently applies only to selected Air India and IndiGo international flights for eligible Indian e‑passport holders.
