Air Canada plans to launch scheduled service to Ho Chi Minh City in 2027 after Canada and Vietnam expanded their air transport agreement on 24 September 2026. The move opens the first framework for direct flights between the two countries, with the route still subject to regulatory approvals and completion of the required procedures.
The expanded bilateral deal allows each country’s airlines to operate up to 14 weekly passenger-combination flights and up to 7 weekly all-cargo flights, including fifth-freedom rights for cargo services. For Air Canada, the planned Vietnam service would add a long-haul route into a market that currently requires travellers to transit via a third country.
The agreement is positioned to support passenger, cargo and business traffic between Canada and Vietnam, while giving airlines a new long-range market to develop. Air Canada has not disclosed an exact start date, aircraft type or schedule, and the route is not yet final or on sale as a confirmed nonstop service.