Vietnam Airlines has officially announced its newest long-haul route: a nonstop service connecting Hanoi (HAN) with Amsterdam (AMS), launching on June 16, 2026. This is the first-ever direct flight between Vietnam and the Netherlands, marking a significant milestone for travel between Southeast Asia and Western Europe.
Route Details
The new service will operate three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, using Vietnam Airlines' flagship Airbus A350 widebody aircraft. The flight covers approximately 8,950 km with an estimated flight time of around 12 hours and 10 minutes.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one of Europe's busiest hubs, and this direct connection will save travellers several hours compared to current one-stop options through Bangkok, Singapore, or Middle Eastern hubs. For business travellers and the large Vietnamese diaspora in the Netherlands — estimated at around 27,000 people — this route removes a major connectivity gap.
Why This Route Matters
The Netherlands is Vietnam's largest trading partner in the European Union. Trade between the two countries has been growing steadily, and direct air connectivity has long been a missing piece. Until now, passengers flying between flights from Hanoi and Amsterdam had to connect through a third city, adding anywhere from 3 to 8 hours to the journey.
The new Hanoi to Amsterdam route opens up possibilities far beyond just these two cities. Amsterdam Schiphol is a major gateway to the rest of Europe, with onward connections to virtually every European capital. Meanwhile, Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport serves as Vietnam Airlines' northern hub, with domestic connections to Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, and dozens of other Vietnamese cities.
What to Expect on Board
Vietnam Airlines' A350 fleet offers a modern four-class cabin on some configurations, though most long-haul services feature business and economy. The A350 is known for its quiet cabin, lower cabin altitude, and higher humidity — all factors that reduce jet lag on long flights.
Business class passengers can expect lie-flat seats, Vietnamese-inspired cuisine, and the airline's signature hospitality. Economy travellers benefit from the A350's wider cabin compared to older aircraft types, with personal entertainment screens and generous legroom by regional standards.
Planning Your Trip
Amsterdam is a year-round destination, but the summer launch timing is ideal. June through September offers the best weather in the Netherlands, with long daylight hours perfect for exploring the city's canals, museums, and cycling culture. The Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, and Vondelpark are all within easy reach of the city centre.
For those travelling in the other direction, Hanoi in June marks the beginning of the warm season. The Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Temple of Literature are best explored early in the morning before the midday heat. A short trip to Ha Long Bay — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is practically unmissable.
Connecting Flights
Vietnam Airlines operates an extensive domestic network from Hanoi, making this route accessible from across Vietnam. International connections from flights from Amsterdam via KLM and SkyTeam partners cover nearly all of Europe, meaning passengers can build seamless itineraries through the alliance network.
Vietnam Airlines is a SkyTeam member, so frequent flyers can earn and redeem miles across the alliance. KLM — also SkyTeam — already operates flights from Amsterdam to Ho Chi Minh City, so the addition of the Hanoi route creates a complementary pair serving both of Vietnam's largest cities.
Book Early
As the first-ever direct service on this city pair, demand is expected to be strong from day one. Business travellers, the Vietnamese community in the Netherlands, and leisure tourists exploring Southeast Asia will all be competing for seats. If your travel dates are flexible, the Tuesday and Thursday departures may offer slightly lower demand than the Saturday flight.
Keep an eye on Vietnam Airlines' website and your preferred booking platform for fare availability as the June 2026 launch date approaches.
