Home » TRAVEL NEWS » Israel And Vietnam Launch Historic Direct Flight Route Between Tel Aviv And Hanoi, Unlocking New Potential For Tourism, Trade, And Bilateral Relations In 2026
Published on
January 7, 2026
Israel and Vietnam have taken a significant step in strengthening their bilateral relations with the launch of their first-ever direct flight route between Tel Aviv and Hanoi. This historic move is set to open up new opportunities for tourism, trade, and collaboration between the two nations, eliminating the need for third-country transit and significantly reducing travel time. The direct connection not only enhances accessibility but also marks a key milestone in fostering deeper diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, providing a platform for growth and innovation in various sectors.
On January 5, Israel and Vietnam took a significant step in enhancing bilateral ties by launching their first-ever direct flight route between Tel Aviv and Hanoi. This new service, operated by Arkia Airlines, offers a direct non-stop passenger connection between the two countries for the first time in history. The introduction of this route is expected to have a profound impact on tourism, trade, and overall exchanges between Israel and Vietnam.
The inaugural Arkia Airlines flight, IZ595, departed from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport just after midnight local time. After an 11.5-hour journey, the flight landed in Hanoi at 4:30 p.m. The return flight departs Hanoi at 7:40 p.m., arriving in Tel Aviv at 2:25 a.m. the following day. Initially, the route will operate once a week, with the airline using a wide-body aircraft that accommodates approximately 290 passengers.
This direct flight eliminates the need for travelers to transit through third countries, significantly reducing travel time between Israel and Vietnam. The removal of layovers will make travel between the two countries more efficient and convenient, benefiting both leisure and business travelers.
Israeli officials view the direct flight as a strategically significant milestone in the deepening relationship between the two nations. The route will foster closer ties between Israel and Vietnam, opening up new avenues for cooperation in several areas, including tourism, trade, investment, and innovation. Israel and Vietnam share common goals of enhancing their partnership, and this flight is seen as a powerful catalyst for increased engagement in these sectors.
For Israeli tourists, the direct flight offers a more straightforward way to explore the diverse and rapidly growing tourism sector in Vietnam. Vietnam has become increasingly popular among Israeli travelers due to its rich culture, stunning natural landscapes, and affordable travel options. The new route is expected to help drive the growth of tourism in Vietnam, particularly among Israeli travelers looking for customized tours and new experiences in the Southeast Asian country. This direct connection will make it easier for Israeli visitors to access Vietnam’s famous destinations, such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Halong Bay, without the added burden of lengthy stopovers or additional flight connections.
The inaugural flight carried a delegation of Israeli tour operators, who are eager to explore opportunities for expanding Vietnam’s tourism offerings for Israeli tourists. The delegation also included media representatives who will help promote Vietnam as a key travel destination for the Israeli market. As tourism demand continues to rise, there are plans to tailor tours specifically designed for Israeli travelers, catering to their preferences for unique cultural experiences and adventurous travel options.
Arkia Airlines, a well-known carrier in Israel, sees this route as a part of its broader strategy to expand its network in Asia. The airline is responding to growing demand for long-haul travel options and increasing interest in Vietnam as a desirable destination for both Israeli businesses and tourists. By adding Hanoi to its route network, Arkia Airlines is tapping into the rising profile of Vietnam as a key destination in the global tourism market. Additionally, the airline’s expansion into Asia aligns with its broader goal of strengthening its position in global aviation, providing passengers with more choices for international travel.
For Vietnamese travelers, the new route also brings substantial benefits. Tel Aviv will serve as a gateway to destinations across the Middle East and Europe, offering Vietnamese tourists greater access to key travel markets. This increased connectivity between the two regions is expected to boost travel and business opportunities for Vietnamese nationals, facilitating more straightforward access to destinations in Europe and the Middle East.
The launch of the Tel Aviv-Hanoi route comes at a time when both Israel and Vietnam are experiencing robust growth in their respective tourism sectors. Vietnam, in particular, is on track to become one of the most sought-after destinations in Asia, with an ever-expanding infrastructure to support tourism. The new direct flight enhances the overall appeal of Vietnam as a travel destination, providing an easy and efficient way for tourists from Israel to explore the country’s beauty and culture.
In addition to tourism, the route is expected to foster growth in trade and business exchanges between the two nations. Israel’s robust technology and innovation sectors could benefit from increased collaborations with Vietnamese companies. Similarly, Israel’s advanced industries in areas such as agriculture, water management, and high-tech could find new opportunities in the Vietnamese market, with the direct flight making it easier to engage in trade negotiations and partnerships.
This new flight is only the beginning of what could be a broader effort to deepen Israel-Vietnam relations, creating a platform for greater exchange in both the public and private sectors. The direct connection between Tel Aviv and Hanoi has the potential to revolutionize travel and trade between the two countries, opening up a new chapter in their diplomatic and economic cooperation.
Israel and Vietnam have launched their first-ever direct flight route between Tel Aviv and Hanoi, strengthening their diplomatic and economic ties. This new connection enhances travel efficiency, fostering growth in tourism, trade, and collaboration between the two nations.
In conclusion, the launch of the first direct flight between Israel and Vietnam marks an exciting milestone for both nations. The route will foster closer ties between the two countries, boosting tourism, trade, and collaboration across multiple sectors. As the world becomes more connected, direct flights like this one will continue to play a crucial role in facilitating international cooperation and travel.
