Two months after Starlux launched its flights to Prague — marking it as its only European destination, the Czech capital has been chosen for the European debut of another Asian airline.
Commencing October 10, 2026, Vietjet will connect Prague with its hub in Hanoi. The airline plans to operate flights twice a week, specifically on Tuesdays and Saturdays, utilizing an Airbus A330-300 that accommodates 377 passengers.
Why is it so important?
While this service is labeled as direct, it will include a scheduled stop in Almaty, Kazakhstan, rather than offering a nonstop flight. This new route establishes a historic connection between the Czech Republic and Vietnam, a significant milestone for both nations. The launch holds particular importance for the Vietnamese community in Czechia, which has deep-rooted ties to Vietnam that span several decades. Currently, nearly 70,000 Vietnamese citizens reside in Czechia, along with many individuals of Vietnamese descent who possess Czech citizenship.
According to Prague Airport’s announcement, the new route is expected to facilitate the travel of over 67,000 passengers in both directions during its inaugural year. In 2025, more than 75,000 passengers traveled between Prague and Hanoi using connecting flights. Travelers will have the option to purchase tickets for the complete Prague–Hanoi journey or to fly solely between Prague and Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city.
Prague as a new gateway to Asia
“We take the launch of the Prague-Hanoi flight as a very important step in expanding our network. We’re very happy that Vietjet decided to pick Prague for their European debut,“ stated Radomír Lašák, CEO of Prague Airport.
However, it’s worth noting that Vietjet is not the first airline to select Prague for its European introduction. On August 1, the Czech capital welcomed Starlux as its first European city, initially with the Airbus A350-900, which was a month later upgraded to the A350-1000 featuring the AIRSORAYAMA livery.
Prague has become a vibrant hub for travelers seeking connections to Asia, showcasing a diverse array of destinations. Not only does it appear in the networks of Starlux and Vietjet, but it also serves as a stop for major carriers such as Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, and Hainan Airlines. This growing connectivity points out the high demand for travel between Prague and Asia, as the Czech capital continues to attract a large number of Asian tourists.
Unique connection
Interestingly, the connection between Prague and Asia also offers a unique flight option. In December of last year, Kazakh carrier SCAT Airlines launched a new route linking Prague with Sanya, the southernmost city on Hainan Island in China. This flight includes a technical stop in Bishkek, with the airline operating it using a Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft.
