Vietjet to Launch Direct Flights to Western Sydney International Airport in January 2027

Vietjet will commence direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Western Sydney International (WSI) Airport on January 9, 2027, operating two times per week[2][14]. This new route marks a significant expansion of international air travel options for passengers in Western Sydney, a region that recently welcomed its first major airport in over 50 years[1][6].

What the records show

Vietjet's new service will utilize Airbus A330 widebody aircraft for the twice-weekly flights[2]. Departures from Ho Chi Minh City are scheduled for Tuesdays and Saturdays at 9:20 PM, arriving at WSI at 10:00 AM the following day[2]. While some reports cited January 10, 2027, as the start date, this refers to the first westbound departure from WSI, with the initial flight departing Ho Chi Minh City on January 9, 2027[14]. Western Sydney International Airport began passenger operations on October 25, 2026[3][19], and operates 24 hours a day, unlike Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport which has a nightly curfew[4][6][13][19].

The timeline

Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport opened to commercial passengers on Sunday, October 25, 2026, with Jetstar flight 362 being the first domestic departure to the Gold Coast[1][3][16][19]. The airport welcomed its first international flight, Air New Zealand flight 165 from Auckland, on Monday, October 26, 2026, marking the start of three weekly return services to New Zealand[1][15][17][18]. Singapore Airlines is scheduled to begin daily flights from Changi to WSI in November 2026[3][10]. Following these, Vietjet's flights are set to commence on January 9, 2027[2][14]. Fiji Airways will follow with three weekly flights to Nadi starting March 19, 2027[7][10], and Qatar Airways plans to launch three weekly services from Doha to WSI on December 15, 2027[8][10][20].

What changed and for whom

The opening of Western Sydney International Airport, approximately 60 kilometers from the Sydney city center, provides a new gateway for international and domestic travelers, complementing the existing Kingsford Smith Airport[4][5][19]. Its 24-hour operation offers airlines greater flexibility, potentially reducing delays and increasing connection opportunities to global hubs[6][13][19]. For residents of Western Sydney, the new airport means more direct access to international networks without needing to travel across the metropolitan area to the older airport[8]. However, some initial passengers experienced confusion, mistakenly landing at WSI when they expected Kingsford Smith or even confusing Western Sydney with Western Australia[4][5][11]. Ground transport from WSI relies on a shuttle and buses, with no direct rail link available at opening, which can affect late-night arrivals once buses stop[3][12][13].

What the subject has said publicly

The available records detail Vietjet's flight schedule and aircraft but do not include specific public statements or quotes directly from Vietjet representatives regarding this new service.

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm the specific reasoning or market analysis by Vietjet that led to the selection of Western Sydney as a destination. The anticipated passenger numbers or cargo capacity utilization for this new route were also not detailed in the provided information.