Hanoi, September 26, 2026 — The Europe Today: Canada and Việtnam have expanded their air transport agreement to enable direct flights between the two countries for the first time, paving the way for scheduled services from 2027.
Transport Canada announced the expanded agreement on September 24, saying the arrangement would enhance air connectivity between the two countries amid growing demand for travel, trade and business links.
Under the agreement, airlines from each country will be authorized to operate up to 14 weekly passenger or passenger-and-cargo combination flights, along with up to seven weekly all-cargo flights.
The agreement also provides fifth-freedom rights for all-cargo services, allowing airlines to operate between two foreign countries when their flights originate or terminate in their home country.
The expanded air transport agreement was announced alongside the establishment of a new Strategic Partnership between Việt Nam and Canada following the state visit to Canada by General Secretary and President Tô Lâm. The two countries welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on the agreement in their joint statement on the strategic partnership.
Canada said the agreement reflects significant growth in the bilateral aviation market and supports its trade diversification and Indo-Pacific strategies. Enhanced air connectivity is expected to facilitate the movement of people and goods, promote business activity and strengthen people-to-people ties.
Air Canada has indicated plans to launch scheduled flights to Ho Chi Minh City in 2027. The airline said it would work with relevant authorities to secure the necessary approvals and complete required procedures before launching the service. Details regarding the Canadian gateway, flight frequency and launch date have yet to be announced.
Currently, passengers travelling between Việt Nam and Canada generally transit through third countries. The planned service would therefore establish the first regular non-stop air connection between the two countries.
Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu said Việt Nam is among Canada’s most dynamic trading partners in Southeast Asia. Canadian merchandise exports to Việt Nam exceeded C$1.3 billion in 2025, representing an increase of about 30 per cent from the previous year, while two-way merchandise trade reached C$20.6 billion.
Việt Nam is Canada’s largest trading partner within ASEAN. The two countries are also members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which provides a framework for further expanding bilateral trade.
Strong people-to-people ties are also contributing to demand for increased air connectivity. Canada is home to an estimated 275,000 people of Vietnamese origin, supporting continued travel for tourism, business, education and family visits.
The two countries have further agreed to pursue cooperation between tourism authorities and businesses to promote destinations in both Việt Nam and Canada.
The Canadian government described Việt Nam as one of its largest and fastest-growing aviation markets in Asia, with the expanded agreement expected to provide airlines greater flexibility to respond to rising demand.
