PHILIPPINES — Vietjet Air will launch direct flights between Clark International Airport and Ho Chi Minh City beginning November 10, 2026. The new route opens a faster, more affordable path to Vietnam for travelers from Northern and Central Luzon, with special significance for overseas Filipino workers.
A New Gateway for Central and Northern Luzon
The route will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Flight VJ1871 departs Clark at 5:05 p.m. and lands in Ho Chi Minh City at 6:35 p.m. local time. The return flight leaves Vietnam at 12:30 p.m., reaching Clark by 4:05 p.m., giving travelers flexibility.
LIPAD president Noel Manankil noted that Clark gives airlines access to a vast catchment area beyond Metro Manila. The connection creates a more efficient option for passengers who previously had to travel south for international flights. The route is expected to support both tourism and business ties between the two markets.
Promo Fares Make Travel More Accessible
Vietjet is offering promotional economy fares starting at $75 one‑way, inclusive of taxes and fees. The promo runs every Friday, valid for travel until March 31, 2027. These rates open Vietnam to budget‑conscious travelers, students, and families planning ahead.
The airline has also released 3.1 million tickets for the Lunar New Year 2027 peak season, covering travel from January 22 to February 20, 2027. Approximately 1.1 million of those are international seats, with increased frequencies on routes connecting Vietnam to the Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, and Indonesia.
Why This Matters for OFWs
For OFWs in Vietnam, the direct Clark route offers a practical alternative to Manila for reaching home. Those based in Northern Luzon provinces like Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, and Bulacan can now avoid long bus rides after landing in the capital. The time and cost saved on domestic transfers make the journey less stressful.
Workers in East Asia, such as Japan, South Korea, or Taiwan, also gain a useful transit option. Vietnam layovers can provide cheaper, less congested routing during the peak holiday season. Booking early on promotional fares helps shield OFWs from last‑minute price spikes that often hit during homecoming periods.
Boosting Regional Tourism and Trade
The new route strengthens ASEAN connectivity and positions Clark as a growing international hub. Vietnamese tourists gain easier access to Central and Northern Luzon destinations like Baguio, Banaue, and the beaches of Zambales. Filipino travelers, in turn, can explore Ho Chi Minh City’s culture, food, and business landscape.
The Civil Aviation Authority and local stakeholders have welcomed the development as a sign of renewed confidence in Clark’s potential. Increased air traffic translates into jobs, tourism receipts, and stronger bilateral relations. The route is expected to gradually expand if demand remains strong.
