HÀ NỘI — Arkia Israeli Airlines on May 12 announced plans to launch direct flights from Tel Aviv to HCM City, marking a further expansion of the carrier’s operations in Việt Nam.

The new route is scheduled to begin in October 2026, complementing the airline’s Hanoi service introduced earlier this year.

Arkia CEO Oz Berlowitz described the launch of the HCM City route as “the right move” following the initial success of the Hà Nội service.

The new route is part of Arkia’s strategy to expand long-haul flights and strengthen its presence in Asia, he said, adding that the service will offer Israeli travellers greater flexibility and convenience when visiting Việt Nam.

Arkia’s Chief Commercial Officer Sapir Ifargan said the route would help strengthen connectivity between Israel and the Far East.

According to Ifargan, demand among Israeli tourists for travel to Vietnam has been rising sharply. She noted that combining Hà Nội and HCM City in the airline’s network would provide travellers with a more convenient, flexible and comprehensive experience in one of the destinations increasingly favoured by Israeli visitors.

Arkia said Vietnam continues to attract Israeli tourists thanks to its rich culture, diverse landscapes, vibrant urban life and renowned cuisine. Under the operating plan, there will be one weekly flight to HCM City, departing from Tel Aviv on Thursdays and returning from HCM City on Saturday evenings. The Hà Nội route is currently operated once a week on Tuesdays.

Meanwhile, EL AL Airlines is also preparing to launch direct flights between Israel and Hà Nội. The inaugural service is expected to begin on October 24, 2026, connecting Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv with Nội Bài International Airport in Hà Nội.

During the initial winter schedule from October 24, 2026, to March 25, 2027, the airline plans to operate three flights per week using Boeing 787 Dreamliner wide-body aircraft. Flight frequency may be increased in line with passenger demand. — VNA/VNS