In September 2018, Vietnamese low-cost carrier VietJet Air launched additional flights on one of its most popular international routes — Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) – Bangkok (BKK). The new flights were introduced on September 12, 2018 to meet rising demand for affordable travel between two major regional hubs.
Purpose of the Expansion
According to Vietnamese media and a VietJet Air press release, the extra flights provided up to 5,040 additional seats per week. This allowed the airline to strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia and serve growing tourist and business traffic.
Flight Schedule
The new flights operated as follows:
- From Ho Chi Minh (SGN): 02:05 and 11:05
- From Bangkok (BKK): 01:50 and 16:35
Flight duration was 90 minutes. All flights operated from international terminals: Tan Son Nhat (SGN) and Suvarnabhumi (BKK).
Technical Operations
VietJet Air deployed new Airbus A320neo aircraft for the additional flights, known for fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The airline’s fleet was expanding rapidly in 2018 through new Airbus orders.
Booking Information
Tickets were available via the official VietJet Air website (www.vietjetair.com), mobile app, and authorized agents. The airline maintained its low-base-fare model with optional add-ons.
Historical Context
The SGN–BKK route was launched by VietJet Air in 2013. By 2018, it had become one of the airline’s busiest. The September expansion was part of a broader international growth strategy, including routes to India, South Korea, and Australia.
Current Status (2025)
After a pandemic-related suspension (2020–2022), flights on the SGN–BKK route fully resumed in 2023. As of March 2025, frequency reaches up to 14 flights per week in each direction, making it one of the most frequent Vietnam–Thailand connections.
Conclusion
VietJet Air’s additional flights on the Ho Chi Minh–Bangkok route were introduced on September 12, 2018. This was a significant, time-limited expansion to meet peak demand. Today, the route remains active and is a key part of the airline’s Southeast Asian network.
Sources:
— VietJet Air: Press Release «New Routes and Increased Frequencies», September 2018
— CAPA – Centre for Aviation: «VietJet Air Expands Thailand Network», 2018
— Suvarnabhumi Airport: International Flight Reports, 2018–2019
— Cirium: Flight Data Analytics – SGN-BKK Route History
— Vietnam News: «VietJet Adds More Flights to Bangkok», September 10, 2018
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