Vietjet launches Clark-Ho Chi Minh flights in November
Clark International Airport is solidifying its presence as a major gateway for travelers bound for Vietnam, as low-cost carrier Vietjet brings direct connectivity from Clark to Ho Chi Minh City.
In an advisory, Clark operator Luzon International Premiere Airport Development (LIPAD) Corp. said Vietjet is launching direct flights between Clark and Ho Chi Minh City on Nov. 10.
Vietjet, Vietnam’s largest private airline, will operate the new service thrice a week, scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Based on the flight schedule, Vietjet will depart from Clark at 5 p.m. and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at 6:35 p.m., local time. The return flight will depart the southern Vietnamese city at 12:30 p.m. and land at Clark at 4:05 p.m.
Ho Chi Minh City is the second destination in Vietnam that is reachable from Clark, after low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific launched a direct route to the capital city of Hanoi.
LIPAD President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Noel Manankil said the airport’s growing connectivity to Vietnam further deepens Clark’s standing as an alternative to main gateway Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
“Clark gives airlines access to a large catchment area beyond Metro Manila, and this direct connection to Ho Chi Minh City creates a more efficient travel option for passengers across Central and Northern Luzon,” said Manankil.
“Vietjet’s decision to launch its first Clark service is a strong vote of confidence in the market we serve,” he added.
The new service is expected to provide travelers coming from north of Metro Manila direct access to the vibrant history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam.
With the city’s role as a major gateway to other destinations in Vietnam, travelers from Clark can also connect onward to popular spots such as Da Nang through Vietjet’s domestic network.
Passenger demand in Clark was driven largely by international travel from January to June, accounting for 879,990, or nearly 54 percent of total passenger traffic.
Manankil said he expects the new route to further strengthen business growth in Clark, which is being positioned as an integrated hub for aviation and logistics.
LIPAD earlier announced that it plans to turn Clark into an “airport city,” which aims to expand the gateway’s role in driving economic growth by extending beyond airport operations and into other industries.
To promote the new route, Vietjet is offering special promotional fares from a minimum of $75 one-way, inclusive of taxes and fees, every Friday.
The promotion is valid for travel until March 31, 2027, subject to peak travel periods, public holidays, and applicable blackout dates, according to LIPAD.