VancouverMETRO VANCOUVER NEWS
Air Canada plans Vancouver–Ho Chi Minh City service in 2027
A new Canada-Vietnam air transport agreement could enable the first direct flights between the countries, while Air Canada says planned Ho Chi Minh City service remains subject to approvals.
Canada signed an Air Transport Agreement with Vietnam on Sept. 24, opening the way for the first direct flights between the two countries. Air Canada said it plans to launch scheduled service to Ho Chi Minh City in 2027 and welcomed the expanded agreement, saying it would strengthen commercial and cultural ties.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the flight option as part of a new strategic partnership between Canada and Vietnam covering security, development and trade. Canada’s merchandise exports to Vietnam totalled $1.3 billion in 2025, while imports from Vietnam were $19.3 billion. Vietnam is Canada’s largest partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
The agreement allows each country up to 14 weekly passenger-combination flights and seven cargo flights. Air Canada said it is premature to discuss specific route details and that any future service remains subject to necessary government approvals and completion of applicable operating processes in Vietnam.
No direct flight has operated between Vancouver and Ho Chi Minh City. The nearly 12,000-kilometre route would take about 14 to 15 hours, according to the report. Air Canada operates much of its Asia service from Vancouver, where YVR serves as Canada’s gateway to that market.