New Direct Link Between Kansai and Central Vietnam
On August 14, 2026, low-cost carrier VietJet Air officially announced 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 new route directly addresses the surging travel demand between Japan’s Kansai region and central Vietnam’s popular coastal hub. As the third VietJet Air route serving Osaka, joining established connections to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, this expansion represents a significant upgrade for regional connectivity ahead of the peak 2026 to 2027 winter travel season.
Flight Schedule and Operational Details
The new service will operate four round trips per week, flying 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, with a flight duration of approximately 5 hours and 35 minutes. The return flight, VJ922, will depart Da Nang at 2:30 AM and arrive in Osaka at 8:50 AM, taking roughly 4 hours and 20 minutes.
This specific scheduling offers distinct advantages for travelers. The morning departure from Osaka allows outbound passengers to arrive in Da Nang with the entire afternoon available to explore local beaches and cultural heritage sites. Conversely, the early 8:50 AM arrival time at Kansai International Airport provides inbound visitors from Vietnam the opportunity to maximize their very first day exploring Osaka, Kyoto, and the wider Kansai area.
Background: A Robust Era of Bilateral Tourism
The introduction of this direct flight comes during a period of record-breaking tourism for both nations. In 2025, Japan welcomed an unprecedented 42.7 million international visitors, supported 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 in 2025, marking a record high for the demographic. The steady increase in cultural exchange, business travel, and leisure tourism has created a strong foundation for airlines to expand their capacity between Southeast Asia and regional hubs in Japan.
Predicted Future and Impact on the Kansai Region
Looking forward, the KIX to Da Nang route is projected to have a highly positive impact on the Kansai region’s tourism sector and broader economy. By providing travelers with a more convenient and cost-effective travel option, the service is expected to drive higher volumes of inbound tourism to Osaka and its neighboring prefectures. Local hospitality sectors, retail businesses, and regional transportation networks stand to benefit significantly from the influx of international tourists looking to explore Western Japan.
Furthermore, this route enhances Osaka’s strategic position as a primary gateway to Asia. As business ties between Vietnam and Japan continue to strengthen, the availability of direct flights to central Vietnam will facilitate smoother corporate travel, encouraging bilateral trade and investment. VietJet Air’s continuous expansion highlights a confident outlook for the future of international air travel, signaling that Kansai International Airport will play an increasingly vital role in capturing Southeast Asian tourism demand throughout the remainder of 2026 and into 2027.
