 Why Dont Any US Airlines Currently Fly To Vietnam? |
Source |
American Shipper |
Post Date |
08/11/2025 |
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The US, and in particular the West Coast, is very well-connected to Asia, with the region being host to the primary transpacific hubs of the three largest US airlines - American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. These carriers connect the US to the likes of Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Singapore.
However, there are currently no direct flights between the US and Vietnam, either by a US or Vietnamese carrier. In this article, we will take a closer look at why there are currently no direct, nonstop flights operated by US airlines between the US and Vietnam, and how that may change in the future. We will also examine the broader aviation market between the two countries.
Firstly, if a direct, nonstop service between the US and Vietnam were to be launched, where might it arrive in the Southeast Asian country? Vietnam has two major international gateways, by far the largest of which is Ho Chi Minh Citys Tan Son Nh at International Airport (SGN). Last year, the airport processed more than 39 million passengers, and is the primary hub of Vietnams national airline, Vietnam Airlines.
The countrys second-largest airport is Hanois Noi BaiInter national Airport (HAN), which served just under 30 million passengers in the same timeframe. Both airports are home to Vietnams flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines. From these two hubs, the SkyTeam carrier operates flights across the region
Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is the third-busiest airport in Vietnam, processing more than 15 million passengers in 2024.
The airport serves as a gateway to the tourist hub around central Vietnam has been growing in popularity in recent years, with increasing domestic and international services. For example, Emirates began flying to Da Nang in 2025 with the Boeing 777-300ER as a second leg on its services from Dubai (DXB) to Bangkok (BKK).
When it comes to domestic services to and from Da Nang(DAD), trunk routes connecting the city with both Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) are by far the busiest. In fact, they represent some of the busiest domestic air routes in the world by available seats and flight frequency.
Higher Operating Costs
One of the primary reasons why no US carrier currently flies to Vietnam is the high operating costs associated with such a route. As a result of the distances involved, flights between the US and Vietnam would be classed by many as ultra-long-haul, with westbound flights taking in the region of 16 hours and eastbound legs being around 15 hours long.
This would mean that, in order to operate just one return flight to Vietnam and back, the aircraft would have to be utilized for more than 30 hours. Longer flights do not necessarily mean higher fares, and that same aircraft may well generate more money for the airline operating a higher number of shorter flights in the same 30-hourperiod.
In addition, due to the long sector lengths involved in flying non-stop between the US and Vietnam, a larger number of crew would be needed on each flight. This would facilitate rest periods in-flight for both the pilots and cabin crew.
Instead of operating direct services between the US and Vietnam themselves, major US carriers also have the option of routing their passengers on partner airlines via major hubs in the Asia-Pacific region instead. This is facilitated by the airlines being members of worldwide airline alliances.
Longer Routes Do Not Always Equal Higher Yields
In an ever-more competitive operating environment, high yields, and in particular those in premium and business class cabins, are crucial in order to make the route financially viable. Although the market between the US and Vietnam is large, with a sizable Vietnamese diaspora located on the West Coast, it is primarily made up of VFR (visiting fris and relatives) travelers.
Such passengers are traditionally more price-sensitive than business class travelers, and with no shortage of one-stop options, which most likely offer cheaper fares, it would be difficult for a US carrier to compete with a direct service. There are also weak business ties between the US and Vietnam, although this is growing, and may one day be enough to support a non-stop direct service between the two countries.
Future Flights Between The US & Vietnam
United Airlines plans to launch direct flights from its hub at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Ho Chi Minh Citys Tan Son NhatInter national Airport (SGN). However, the services will not be nonstop. Instead, they will operate via Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) in both directions, with United Airlines having fifth-freedom rights to transport passengers solely between Vietnam and Hong Kong. Flights are set to launch on October 26, 2025, and will operate as follows.
United Airlines plans to deploy the Boeing 787-9 on its new route between Los Angeles and Ho Chi Minh City. The latest data from ch-aviation show s that the Star Alliance carrier currently has 45 787-9s in its fleet, each of which is able to carry up to a maximum of 257 passengers in a three-class configuration. This consists of 48 seats in business class, 21 in premium economy, and 188 in economy class (including 39 extra-legroom seats).
United Airlines also has a further 143 Boeing 787-9s on order from the US manufacturer. The newest arrivals to the fleet will feature amore premium-heavy configuration, perfect for ultra-long-haul routes such as Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City. These aircraft will be able to accommodate up to a maximum of 222 passengers, with 64 seats in business class, 35 in premium economy, and 123 in economy class (including 33 extra-legroom seats).
Growing Routes Between The US & Southeast Asia
While there are currently no direct, non-stop flights between the US and Vietnam, there are several Southeast Asian gateways that do have direct services courtesy of US airlines.
Indeed, at the same time as launching its services between Los Angeles and Ho Chi Minh City, United Airlines will also commence another route via Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) - this time to and from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK). The Star Alliance carrier will also commence a second daily flight between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL).
Never Say Never
Although there are currently no non-stop direct services between the US and Vietnam, United Airlines newly announced service via Hong Kong is the right answer for now. These services will allow the airline to handily make use of an aircraft during its downtime in Hong Kong without having to take the plunge on a dedicated nonstop service for the time being.
That said, we can never rule out the possibility of a carrier going one step further and launching a non-stop direct service between the two countries. After all, Vietnams burgeoning tourism industry is only set to increase further over the coming years, and the country boasts ever-growing business links across the Pacific.
Vietnams national carrier, Vietnam Airlines, certainly has the aircraft capable of making the long journeys to the US West Coast.
The SkyTeam carrier currently has 11 Boeing 787-9s, six787-10s, and 14 Airbus A350-900s in its fleet, with a further two widebody aircraft still on order. These are in addition to an extensive short-haul fleet, as detailed in the above.
In terms of potential direct, non-stop services between the two countries from a US airline, Delta Air Lines would probably be the most likely candidate to operate the route. After all, it would be able to offer its passengers a whole host of onward connections throughout Vietnam and beyond, thanks to its fellow SkyTeam member Vietnam Airlines.
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