Expanding Direct Access to Central Vietnam
On August 14, 2026, low-cost carrier VietJet Air officially announced the launch of a new nonstop flight service connecting Osaka’s Kansai International Airport (KIX) with Da Nang, Vietnam. Scheduled to commence operations on December 20, 2026, this strategic route directly addresses the surging travel demand between Japan’s Kansai region and the vibrant coastal hub of central Vietnam. As the third VietJet Air route serving Osaka, following established connections to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, this addition is poised to greatly enhance travel itineraries for both leisure and business passengers.
Flight Operations and Strategic Scheduling
The new route will operate four round trips per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, utilizing modern Airbus A321 aircraft. Flight VJ923 is scheduled to depart from Kansai International Airport at 10:10 AM, arriving in Da Nang at 1:45 PM local time, featuring a flight duration of approximately 5 hours and 35 minutes. The return flight, VJ922, will leave Da Nang at 2:30 AM and arrive in Osaka at 8:50 AM, taking roughly 4 hours and 20 minutes.
This morning departure from Osaka offers travelers the distinct advantage of arriving in Da Nang with the entire afternoon ahead to explore the city’s pristine beaches and cultural heritage sites. Conversely, the early arrival time at Kansai International Airport allows inbound Vietnamese visitors to maximize their first day exploring Osaka, Kyoto, and the wider Kansai area.
Background: A Robust Era of Bilateral Tourism
The introduction of this direct link comes during a period of record-breaking tourism for both nations. In 2025, Japan welcomed an unprecedented 42.7 million international visitors, driven in part by favorable exchange rates and exceptional tourism infrastructure. The Vietnamese market played a significant role in this boom, with over 680,000 Vietnamese tourists visiting Japan—a record high for the third consecutive year.
Simultaneously, Vietnam’s tourism sector experienced a monumental phase of expansion, welcoming 21.2 million international arrivals in 2025. Da Nang has rapidly transformed from a regional port into a globally recognized leisure destination, celebrated for its luxury resorts, dynamic culinary scene, and proximity to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Hoi An. The new KIX to Da Nang route capitalizes on these robust statistics, ensuring that the supply of direct, affordable air travel meets the escalating bilateral demand.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
Looking ahead into 2027, this new service is expected to significantly stimulate regional economies. By lowering the barrier to entry with competitive low-cost fares, VietJet Air will catalyze a heavier flow of independent travelers and family vacationers between the two countries.
For the Kansai region, an influx of Vietnamese tourists translates directly into increased retail, dining, and accommodation revenues across Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto. For Da Nang, easier access from one of Japan’s most populous metropolitan areas will inject vital capital into local hospitality and commercial sectors. As cultural exchange deepens, this nonstop route will not only serve as a convenient vacation gateway but also as a fundamental pillar for strengthening future international trade and business investments between central Vietnam and the Kansai region.
