Vietnam Airlines, AOT sign MOU to resume direct Ho Chi Minh City-Phuket flights on July 2

Vietnam Airlines and Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) have signed a memorandum of understanding to support the resumption of direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket from July 2, 2026, while also discussing the possible launch of additional routes in the future.

The agreement was signed by AOT President Paweena Jariyathitipong and Vietnam Airlines Chief Executive Officer Le Hong Ha, with AOT Deputy President for Business Development and Marketing Sirodom Duangrat and other AOT executives attending as witnesses.

According to the source, the cooperation is aimed at promoting flight operations and the development of aviation networks between AOT airports and Vietnam Airlines. Alongside the agreement, the two sides discussed plans to reopen the Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)-Phuket (HKT) service on July 2, 2026.

They also considered the possibility of opening other routes together in the future, though those additional services remain under review.

The source said the partnership is intended to support the tourism market between Thailand and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, which it described as showing continued expansion. It is also meant to help accommodate growth in air transport between the two countries.

In addition, AOT and Vietnam Airlines discussed the broader aviation industry and travel trends between Thailand and Vietnam.

The source described the cooperation as another step in supporting the economies and tourism industries of both countries, including travel, trade and investment, while creating shared economic opportunities in the ASEAN region.