25-Mar-2026

VietJet Air will launch a twice-weekly Hanoi–Prague service via Almaty from 11 July, deploying Airbus A330 widebody aircraft and leveraging fifth-freedom rights to carry passengers between Kazakhstan and Europe.
The route reinforces Kazakhstan’s role as a transit corridor between Asia and Europe, while deepening VietJet’s presence in the market following its 2022 entry.
The move aligns with Sovico Group’s 2025 acquisition of QAZAQ AIR, supporting a strategic shift toward international expansion, with additional European destinations—such as Germany, France, and the UK—under evaluation.

Vietnamese low-cost carrier VietJet Air will launch flights from Hanoi to Prague via Almaty starting on July 11, reported Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport. The service will operate twice weekly using Airbus A330 widebody aircraft.

Kazakh authorities have granted the airline fifth-freedom traffic rights, allowing VietJet to pick up and discharge passengers in Almaty on the way to and from Europe.

“The opening of this air route strengthens Kazakhstan’s position as a transit bridge between Asia and Europe and contributes to the further expansion of the international flight network,” the ministry said.

VietJet Air first entered the Kazakh market in 2022. The establishment of fifth-freedom operations follows the 2025 acquisition of a controlling stake in Kazakhstan’s QAZAQ AIR by VietJet’s parent company, Sovico Group. The new shareholder plans to invest in the growth of Qazaq Air’s fleet, enabling the airline to pivot its business model from regional operations to international routes.

As previously stated by VietJet Air Vice President Jay L. Lingeswara, in addition to the Czech Republic, the airline has been exploring intermediate-stop flight options to other European destinations, including Germany, France, and the UK.

The post VietJet Air to launch European expansion with new route appeared first on Air Cargo Week.

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Author: Edward Hardy

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