Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Arkia Airlines Launches First Direct Air Route from Hanoi to Tel Aviv, Boosting Tourism, Trade and Future Travel Growth Between Israel and Vietnam

Published on
January 6, 2026

On January 5th, 2026, Israel and Vietnam marked an important milestone with the inauguration of their very first direct flight route connecting Tel Aviv to Hanoi. The historical flight was conducted by Arkia Airlines and represents the very first direct flight route from Israel to Vietnam.

The starting flight, flight number IZ595 on the Arkia airline, left Tel Aviv around midnight local time and arrived in Hanoi at 4:30 pm local time after an 11.5-hour flight. The flight back is scheduled to leave Hanoi at 7:40 pm local time and is scheduled to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv at 2:25 am the next day. The flight is to take place once a week and will be carried out on a wide-body aircraft that has a seating capacity of around 290 passengers.

A Strategic Move for Israel-Vietnam Relations and Future Tourism Growth

The introduction of the direct flight route is a strategic step in strengthening Israel-Vietnam relations and enhancing bilateral exchanges. Israeli Ambassador Yaron Mayer highlighted the significance of the new service, stating, “This direct flight is a strategically significant step in Israel-Vietnam relations. It brings our peoples closer together, opening up new opportunities for cooperation in tourism, trade, investment, and innovation.”

This move is expected to have a long-term impact on both tourism and trade, providing greater accessibility for travelers and businesses. With the direct connection in place, the two countries are poised to see a growth in visitor numbers, with Vietnamese tourists gaining easier access to Israel and vice versa. The route will help boost tourism numbers and facilitate business exchanges, particularly in sectors like technology, agriculture, and tourism.

Tourism Growth: Connecting New Markets and Enhancing Experiences

The new route will have a significant impact on tourism growth, especially as Israel and Vietnam are both increasingly appealing destinations for cultural explorers and adventure travelers. For Vietnamese travelers, Tel Aviv will serve as a gateway to both the Middle East and Europe, while Vietnam will become a more accessible destination for Israeli tourists interested in experiencing the country’s rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and modern attractions.

The partnership between Arkia Airlines and the tourism authorities of both countries is set to fuel tourism growth by providing a more affordable and convenient travel option, encouraging more frequent travel and creating a stronger connection between Israel and Vietnam. This new route is expected to foster cultural exchange, enhance the visibility of Vietnam’s tourism offerings, and establish Israel as a key destination for Vietnamese travelers.

Supporting Future Tourism and Economic Growth

The launch of this direct flight is just the beginning of broader efforts to promote sustainable tourism and economic growth through increased connectivity. With growing demand for long-haul travel, the direct air route is expected to serve as a gateway for more visitors and businesses looking to connect Israel and Vietnam. As global tourism continues to recover and expand, Arkia Airlines‘ involvement in this route will play a key role in connecting new markets and facilitating both tourism and trade exchanges.

This new service will not only provide business travelers with more efficient travel options but also increase tourism arrivals, contributing to economic development in both nations. It is anticipated that as more tourists and business travelers fly between Tel Aviv and Hanoi, both countries will see significant growth in tourism-related spending and job creation within the tourism, transportation, and hospitality sectors.

A Vision for Long-Term Tourism Growth and Connectivity

Looking forward, the new direct route will play a central role in enhancing the tourism infrastructure in both Israel and Vietnam. With continued growth in demand for long-haul flights and increasing tourism interest in both regions, the direct flight will help cement Vietnam and Israel’s status as key players in the global tourism market.

The opening of this route is part of a broader trend toward improving regional connectivity and streamlining travel experiences. This route will serve as a springboard for future tourism initiatives, including new cultural exchange programs, tourism packages, and collaborations that foster closer ties between the two nations.

The launch of the Tel Aviv-Hanoi route serves as a powerful example of how direct flights can drive tourism growth, improve economic opportunities, and connect new markets. As Arkia Airlines and the tourism authorities continue to expand routes and offerings, this strategic move will ensure that Israel and Vietnam remain key destinations for global travelers.

A Bright Future for Israel-Vietnam Tourism and Connectivity

The opening of the direct air route connecting Tel Aviv and Hanoi is a major step in the relationship between the country of Israel and Vietnam. The new air route, which is conducted by the airline company Arkia Airlines, not only facilitates travel between the two countries but is also a new hub in the relationship towards tourism and cultural interaction.

Additionally, as Israel and Vietnam continue to develop their tourism infrastructure, this particular air route will be of great significance in ensuring the future growth of Israel as well as Vietnam. Israel, as well as Vietnam, is poised to have a bright future in regard to international tourism.

Image Source: Arkia Airlines