Emirates marks 10 years of connecting Hanoi with the world
A decade of strengthening connectivity between Vietnam’s capital and Emirates’ global network via Dubai
Hanoi, Vietnam - 22 October 2026 - Emirates is celebrating 10 years of passenger operations to Hanoi, marking a decade of connecting Vietnam’s capital with Dubai and beyond, to nearly 140 destinations across the airline’s global network.
Emirates’ journey in Hanoi began in 2016 making Hanoi the airline’s second passenger destination in Vietnam after Ho Chi Minh City.
The route reflects Emirates’ sustained investment in Vietnam and its commitment to providing even better connectivity for travellers and businesses from and to the Vietnamese capital. Over the past decade, the Hanoi route has become an important part of Emirates’ operations in Vietnam. Since the launch of operations, Emirates has carried more than 1.7 million passengers between Hanoi and Dubai on over 6,140 flights. To date, the airline has also transported 74 million kilograms of belly-hold cargo, supporting the movement of goods between Northern Vietnam and international markets.
Wahid Albalooshi, Country Manager of Emirates Vietnam, said: “When Emirates first arrived in Hanoi in 2016, Vietnam’s international travel and trade story was entering a promising new phase. A decade later, Hanoi is not only Vietnam’s capital of culture and commerce, but an increasingly important gateway for tourism, investment and exports from Northern Vietnam. As Vietnam and the UAE deepen their economic partnership, the next chapter will be even more crucial.
For Emirates, our role is to continue elevating air connectivity between the two nations and beyond, while supporting local businesses and small and medium enterprises by seamlessly connecting them with major international markets.”
Connecting Hanoi to the world through Dubai
Over the past decade, leading destinations for Hanoi have included Dubai, Prague, Amsterdam, Paris, Madrid, Warsaw and Copenhagen.
Vietnam’s international tourism market continues to grow. According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, the country welcomed nearly 21.2 million international visitors in 2025—up 20.4% year on year and 17.8% from 2019 levels. More than 17.8 million arrived by air, representing 84.3% of all international arrivals and highlighting the importance of air connectivity to tourism growth. Emirates serves Vietnam with 21 weekly flights, offering vital connections to help cater to growing demand.
Supporting tourism and trade between Vietnam and the world
Emirates’ Hanoi operations support both passenger travel and the flow of goods between Vietnam and global markets. Commercial ties between Vietnam and the UAE continue to deepen, supported by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement that came into effect on 3 February 2026, which provides a framework for stronger bilateral trade and investment.
Through its global logistics network, Emirates SkyCargo connects Vietnamese producers and exporters with international customers, carrying key commodities including hi-tech products, IT equipment and electronics. In FY 2025/2026, Emirates transported more than 21,630 tonnes of export cargo from Hanoi, representing a 57% year-on-year increase compared with the previous year. Between April and August 2026 alone, Emirates moved 10,700 tonnes of exports from Hanoi, a 52% increase over the same period last year.
In July 2026, Emirates SkyCargo launched a regular weekly transpacific charter service from Hanoi to Chicago O’Hare, marking a new chapter in Hanoi’s development as a strategic cargo gateway. The airline’s cargo arm currently operates five weekly dedicated freighter services on its widebody Boeing 777-F aircraft from Hanoi, strengthening cargo connectivity across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. Its enhanced freighter network has been a key contributor to Hanoi’s cargo growth, supporting increased volumes and opening access to new trade lanes.
Over the years, Emirates’ passenger and cargo operations have helped strengthen the bridge of tourism, business and trade between Vietnam, the UAE and worldwide.
