Vietjet opens direct route linking HCMC with China’s ancient capital Xi'an

Vietnam’s budget carrier Vietjet has announced the opening of a direct route between Ho Chi Minh City and Xi'an (China) starting from April 29, 2024, with four return flights per week as tourism is gaining momentum between the two countries.

As such, Vietjet becomes the airline flying directly from Vietnam to the ancient capital of Xi'an, shortening travel time between the two destinations.

The flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Xi'an take off on every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 20:05 (local time), and land in Xi'an Xianyang International Airport at 01:30 the following day (local time).

The return flights from Xi'an to Ho Chi Minh City take off on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 02:30 (local time), and land in Ho Chi Minh City at 06:25 (local time).

Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi province, is the ancient city that served as the capital for thirteen dynasties in China. It is renowned as the birthplace of the splendid Chinese civilization.

Xi'an is the starting point of the legendary Silk Road, connecting trade and culture between Asia and Europe. The ancient city of Xi'an is famous for its rich history and is home to cultural treasures such as the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, and Datang Furong Park.

Before this new direct air link, Vietjet had opened two routes to Shanghai and Chengdu.

In the first three months of this year, mainland China was Vietnam’s second largest source of tourists, with 890,000, accounting for 19% of total foreign arrivals, behind South Korea with 1.2 million arrivals.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, China took the lion’s share, providing around one-third of foreign tourists to Vietnam.