by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 6:55 AM ET, Fri September 25, 2026
Air Canada announced plans to begin scheduled service to Ho Chi Minh City in 2027 after the governments of Canada and Vietnam expanded their bilateral Air Transport Agreement.
The airline said it will now work to complete the approvals and procedures required to launch the route. Details including the Canadian gateway, frequency and start date have not yet been announced.
The expanded agreement was announced following a state visit by Tô Lâm, General Secretary and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and meetings between representatives of Canada and Vietnam in Ottawa.
“Vietnam is an important market in the broader Canada-Southeast Asia relationship. We welcome this expanded Air Transport Agreement and look forward to obtaining the necessary government approvals to begin service to Ho Chi Minh City,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President, Cargo at Air Canada.
According to the federal government, Canadian exports to Vietnam reached more than $1.3 billion in 2025, an increase of nearly 30% compared with the previous year.
"Vietnam is one of Canada's most dynamic trading partners in Southeast Asia. Our exports to Vietnam reached over $1.3 billion in 2025, up nearly 30% from the year before. By expanding our air transport agreement, we're making it easier for people and goods to move between our countries, opening new doors for businesses and diversifying Canada’s trade," said The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, P.C. M.P., Minister of International Trade for the Government of Canada.
The future Ho Chi Minh City flights remain subject to government approvals and completion of the required processes to operate in Vietnam.
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