Vietnamese low-cost carrier VietJet Air is set to expand its international footprint with the launch of a new route connecting Hanoi to Prague via Almaty, starting on 11 July.
The service will operate twice weekly using Airbus A330 widebody aircraft, marking a significant step in the airline’s long-haul development strategy.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport confirmed that VietJet has been granted fifth-freedom traffic rights, allowing the airline to carry passengers between Almaty and Prague in addition to its Hanoi operations. This move enhances Kazakhstan’s position as a key transit corridor linking Asia and Europe.
The airline first entered the Kazakh market in 2022, and its latest expansion follows the 2025 acquisition of a controlling stake in QAZAQ AIR by VietJet’s parent company, Sovico Group. The acquisition is part of a broader strategy to scale operations and transition from regional services to a more international network.
Authorities in Kazakhstan noted that the new route will contribute to the expansion of the country’s international flight network while strengthening its role as a bridge between major global markets.
Looking ahead, VietJet is actively exploring additional European destinations, including Germany, France and the United Kingdom. According to Vice President Jay L. Lingeswara, the airline is evaluating intermediate-stop configurations that would support further expansion into these markets.
