CEBU CITY — Vietnamese budget airline VietJet is set to launch direct flights between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City starting in the fourth quarter of 2026, opening a new gateway for tourism and business travel. The announcement was made by Aboitiz InfraCapital, operator of the Mactan‑Cebu International Airport. The new route promises to make Vietnam and other Asian destinations more accessible to Filipino travelers.
Aboitiz InfraCapital President Cosette Canilao emphasized the broader significance of the development. "Direct connectivity plays a vital role in stimulating tourism, facilitating commerce, and creating opportunities that benefit our communities and economies," she said. The route connects Cebu directly to Vietnam's economic powerhouse, offering seamless travel for both leisure and business passengers.
A Direct Link to Vietnam's Economic Heart
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest metropolis, is a vibrant hub of commerce, culture, and cuisine. For Cebuanos, the direct flight eliminates the need for layovers in Manila or other regional hubs, significantly cutting travel time. The route is expected to attract Vietnamese tourists eager to explore Cebu's beaches, dive sites, and heritage landmarks.
The new connection also benefits the large Vietnamese community in the Philippines and the growing number of Filipinos visiting Vietnam. VietJet currently operates flights from Vietnam to Manila, but the Cebu route marks its first direct link to the Visayas. The airline is known for its affordable fares and extensive Southeast Asian network, making it a popular choice for budget‑conscious travelers.
Timed with Enhanced Strategic Partnership
The announcement comes during Vietnamese President To Lam's state visit to the Philippines, where the two nations agreed to elevate their relationship to an enhanced strategic partnership. The pact covers stronger cooperation in maritime security, military education, disaster risk reduction, and economic ties. The new air link is a tangible outcome of this deepening bilateral relationship.
For Cebu, the timing is ideal. The province has been aggressively courting international airlines to expand direct connections, following the success of routes to Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. The VietJet launch adds another key destination to MCIA's growing portfolio and strengthens the airport's position as a major gateway in the Visayas.
A Boost for Cebu's Tourism Economy
The direct flights are expected to stimulate tourism spending across the province. Vietnamese travelers are increasingly seeking beach holidays, cultural experiences, and adventure tourism—all of which Cebu offers in abundance. Similarly, Cebuanos can now explore Vietnam's bustling cities, UNESCO heritage sites, and famed street food scene with greater ease.
The route also supports business travel between the two countries, facilitating trade and investment. With the enhanced strategic partnership in place, the direct Cebu–Ho Chi Minh link is poised to become a vital corridor for people‑to‑people exchanges and economic growth in the years ahead.
