Vietnam Airlines is adding Ahmedabad, the commercial capital of Gujarat, to its India network. From 3 November 2026 it will fly Hanoi–Ahmedabad four times a week. On its own, one narrow-body route is small. Together with Indian arrivals up 33% this year, it tells hotels that India is no longer a niche to test. It is a source market to plan for, with its own needs on timing, food and groups.

Key facts

  • Route: Hanoi–Ahmedabad, Vietnam Airlines, from 3 November 2026.
  • Frequency: Four return flights a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, using an Airbus A321.
  • Schedule: Leaves Hanoi at 17:35 and arrives in Ahmedabad at 21:30 local time. Leaves Ahmedabad at 22:45 and arrives in Hanoi at 04:35 the next day.
  • Launch fare: Return tickets from VND6.3 million including taxes, for tickets bought by 31 December.
  • Network: Ahmedabad is Vietnam Airlines’ fifth Indian city, after Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. It will run seven Vietnam–India routes and 25 return flights a week.
  • Demand: More than 670,000 Indian visitors in the first nine months of 2026, up 33%. India is Vietnam’s eighth-largest source market.

What happened

The airline announced the route on 12 October. Deputy general director Nguyen Quang Trung said it would open a gateway to western India and support trade with Gujarat. Earlier this year Vietnam Airlines also added Amsterdam, Colombo and Phuket, and increased frequencies to Munich, Moscow, Taipei, Osaka, Tokyo and Seoul.

The tourism authority says Indian visitors concentrate in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Phu Quoc.

Why it matters

Indian growth is one of the few source-market stories that doesn’t depend on China or Korea. Our analysis of the new Asia and Europe flights covered the broader seat build. India stands out because growth is coming from many different cities, not one hub.

Gujarat also brings a specific profile. It is a business and trading state with a large vegetarian population, and travel there is often in families and groups. That demand rewards hotels that adapt their food and rooms, not those that just list a rate on an Indian online travel agency.

What it means for you

1. The 4:35 am arrival is a revenue opportunity

Guests landing in Hanoi before dawn need a room straight away. Hanoi hotels can sell guaranteed early check-in or day-use packages to Indian tour operators, instead of giving them away at the desk.

2. Food is the conversion factor

Pure-vegetarian and Jain options, ideally with a clear kitchen policy, decide group bookings from Gujarat. Hotels that can show this in a contract can win business that competitors turn away.

3. Weddings and MICE

Indian destination weddings and incentive groups are growing in Da Nang and Phu Quoc. Resorts with lawns, ballrooms and flexible catering are the obvious winners. City hotels can target corporate groups from Gujarat’s trading and manufacturing sectors.

4. Track Indian arrivals monthly

At 33% growth, India could move up the source-market table quickly. Add it to your monthly segment reports, so sales and revenue teams can see when it starts to matter for your hotel.

FAQ

How many Indian tourists visited Vietnam in 2026?

More than 670,000 in the first nine months, up 33%, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism as reported by VnExpress.

When does the Hanoi–Ahmedabad flight start?

On 3 November 2026, with four flights a week on Vietnam Airlines.

Which Indian cities does Vietnam Airlines fly to?

Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and, from November, Ahmedabad.

Where do Indian tourists go in Vietnam?

Mostly Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Phu Quoc.