Dhaka : Vietnam Airlines is preparing to launch direct flights between Bangladesh and Vietnam, contingent on the resumption of visa services for Bangladeshi nationals, senior officials revealed at an industry meet held in the capital.

Speaking at the event hosted at Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan on March 29, Vu Anh Tuan, General Manager for Strategy, Corporate Planning, and Development of Vietnam Airlines, said the flag carrier is actively engaging with the Vietnamese government to reinstate visa issuance for Bangladeshis.

"Once visa services resume, we are ready to move forward with launching direct flights between Dhaka and key Vietnamese cities," Tuan said while talking to The Bangladesh Monitor in an interview on the sidelines of the event.

According to him, the airline plans to initially operate three weekly flights between Dhaka and Hanoi and four weekly flights between Dhaka and Ho Chi Minh City. The carrier is preparing to apply for flight slots with the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh soon.

Highlighting Bangladesh's potential as a growing aviation market, Tuan noted strong prospects for both point-to-point and transit traffic. "Bangladesh has a large and dynamic population, and we see significant opportunity in both business and leisure segments," he said.

Vu Anh Tuan, GM, Vietnam Airlines, addressing the event

He also emphasized the competitiveness of the airline's premium offering. "Our Business Class product is highly competitive and more affordable compared to some regional carriers. In markets like India, we see strong year-round demand for Business Class, and we are optimistic about replicating that success in Bangladesh," he added.

Tuan further expressed optimism about two-way tourism growth, noting that Vietnamese travelers are increasingly exploring new destinations, including Bangladesh.

The airline is also exploring partnerships with local carriers in Bangladesh under Special Prorate Agreements (SPAs) to enhance connectivity.

Representatives from Flyport, the local partner of Vietnam Airlines in Bangladesh, were also present at the event. Managing Director Md Mostafa Sarowar said ongoing diplomatic and administrative efforts are addressing the issue of undocumented Bangladeshi migrants in Vietnam, which had led to the suspension of visa services.

"Repatriation initiatives are currently underway. Once the process is completed, we expect visa services to resume, paving the way for flight operations, possibly by August," Sarowar said.

The event was attended by key stakeholders from Bangladesh's tourism, aviation, and travel technology sectors, including Flyport Directors LN Khan Rumy and Kazi Zahurul Qyyum.

During the presentation, Vietnam Airlines shared an overview of its operations and growth strategy. The airline operates a modern fleet of 120 aircraft, including Airbus A350s, Airbus A321s, Boeing 787-9s, Boeing 787-10s, and ATR aircraft. Its parent group encompasses a broad aviation ecosystem with 21 subsidiaries and affiliates, spanning full-service and low-cost operations, cargo, maintenance, and catering.

The carrier currently operates 73 international routes connecting 39 destinations across 22 countries, alongside 45 domestic routes covering 22 destinations. Since late 2021, it has launched 25 new international routes as part of its post-pandemic recovery strategy.

For 2026, Vietnam Airlines has set ambitious targets, including 13 percent growth in Available Seat Kilometers (ASK), 12 percent passenger growth, and 10 percent revenue growth, with a projected pre-tax profit of USD 150 million.

Looking ahead, the airline aims to solidify its position as Vietnam's leading carrier, become one of Southeast Asia's top two full-service airlines by scale, and rank among Asia's top 10 preferred airlines. It is also targeting a five-star airline rating by 2030, up from its current four-star status, while advancing its digital transformation and expanding its global network.

With plans for direct connectivity and renewed bilateral travel, industry stakeholders are optimistic that the Bangladesh-Vietnam aviation corridor could soon see significant growth.