On 16 June 2026, Vietnam Airlines officially launched the direct route between Hanoi and Amsterdam, marking the first time Vietnam has established a non-stop air connection with the Netherlands.

Beyond adding another international passenger route, this development represents an important milestone for Vietnam’s logistics industry. The new connection creates an additional air freight gateway linking Vietnam directly to one of Europe’s most strategic distribution hubs.

For exporters, freight forwarders and supply chain operators, the route offers more than convenience — it creates greater flexibility in cargo planning, expands transport capacity and opens new options for accessing European markets.

Amsterdam: A strategic gateway for global logistics and air freight

Amsterdam has long been recognised as one of Europe’s most important logistics centres, and Schiphol Airport plays a major role in maintaining that position.

Schiphol ranks among Europe’s leading aviation hubs for international connectivity and cargo operations. With direct access to around 300 destinations worldwide, including more than 120 intercontinental routes, the airport serves as a major entry point connecting Europe with global supply chains.

This means products exported from Vietnam no longer need to rely entirely on traditional transfer hubs before reaching final destinations.

Instead of routing shipments through multiple transit airports, businesses now have an additional direct option into Europe, helping shorten lead times and improve shipment predictability.

A new opportunity for Vietnam’s air freight market

The launch of the Hanoi–Amsterdam route comes at a time when Vietnam’s export activities continue to grow and demand for fast transportation remains strong.

Air freight plays a critical role for industries where speed, product value and delivery reliability are essential. Direct connectivity helps exporters reduce dependency on transit schedules and lower the risk of shipment delays caused by congestion at connecting airports.

For logistics providers and forwarders, additional route options also support better capacity planning and more competitive service offerings. As European demand continues evolving, having more direct cargo channels gives Vietnamese businesses greater resilience in maintaining stable supply chains.

Additional cargo capacity creates more flexibility

Vietnam Airlines operates the route using the Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft. In addition to passenger transportation, the aircraft provides substantial belly cargo capacity that can support international freight demand.

With an estimated belly capacity of approximately 45 tonnes per flight and a schedule of three round trips per week, the route contributes roughly 135 tonnes of additional weekly capacity between Vietnam and Europe.

This added space may not immediately transform market supply, but it provides meaningful support for exporters during peak shipping periods. For shippers managing urgent deliveries or higher-value cargo, more available capacity can improve booking flexibility and reduce pressure on existing transport channels.

Over time, increased cargo accessibility may also encourage greater use of air freight for selected export categories.

Supporting Vietnam–Europe trade growth

The launch of the direct route aligns with the broader expansion of trade and investment relations between Vietnam and Europe. The Netherlands remains Vietnam’s largest trading partner in Europe and one of the continent’s leading investors in the Vietnamese market. Strong trade flows have created growing demand for more efficient transportation infrastructure and stronger logistics connectivity. Direct aviation links help support this growth by reducing barriers between production centres and destination markets.

As global supply chains continue adapting to changing trade patterns, stronger air freight connectivity will remain an important factor supporting business growth. For Vietnam’s export community, Amsterdam is no longer just a destination — it is becoming a new gateway into Europe.

Source: VnEconomy

13/6/2026