National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines on Sunday inaugurated a direct flight route between Ho Chi Minh City and Denpasar, the tourism capital of Indonesia’s Bali, which was voted the best beautiful island in Asia.
The new route, the airline’s second direct connection to Indonesia after its Ho Chi Minh City-Jakarta service, responds to growing travel demand between the two nations.
The inaugural flight, VN641, carried 161 passengers and touched down at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport at 3 p.m. after 4 hours and 35 minutes. Passengers were greeted with souvenirs upon arrival.
At the launch ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia Ta Van Thong described the route as a symbol of increasing connection, trust, and partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia, two vibrant Southeast Asian economies and neighbors.
Tran Tuan Nghia, Vietnam Airlines’ chief representative in Indonesia, said the airline will initially operate four weekly round-trip flights on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Starting in July 2025, the carrier plans to increase frequency to daily flights to meet rising demand.
Bali was named Asia’s most beautiful island at this year’s annual Reader’s Choice Awards by
DestinAsian
magazine.
In October last year, the island was honored with the same recognition by readers of
Condé
Nast Traveler
in its Readers’ Choice Awards.
Bali welcomed 6.3 million international visitors in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This year it aims to attract 6.5 million tourists.
