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New Three-City Corridor Links Vietnam, Kazakhstan, and Czechia
VietJet is expanding its international footprint with a new service connecting Hanoi and Prague, with a strategic stop in Almaty. Scheduled to begin operations on October 10, 2026, the airline will operate the route twice weekly.
The service will utilize an Airbus A330-300, which has a maximum capacity of 377 passengers. This route is not merely a transit link; Kazakhstan’s Civil Aviation Committee has confirmed the use of fifth-freedom traffic rights. This allows VietJet to sell tickets specifically for the Prague-Almaty sector, transforming Almaty into a commercial hub rather than just a technical stop.
Analyzing Capacity and Passenger Forecasts
Prague Airport anticipates that the new connection will attract more than 67,000 passengers in both directions during the first year of operation. To understand this projection, the theoretical seat capacity must be examined:
- Weekly Frequency: Two flights in each direction.
- Annual Seats (Single Direction): Approximately 39,200 seats.
- Total Annual Route Capacity: Approximately 78,400 seats.
Based on these figures, the 67,000-passenger forecast represents roughly 85% of the total theoretical annual seat capacity.
Prague’s Tourism Surge and the Vietnam Connection
The introduction of this route addresses a specific market gap. Prague Airport identified Vietnam as its strongest market lacking a regular direct connection, with over 75,000 people traveling between Prague and Hanoi annually prior to this launch.
The timing aligns with a massive recovery in Prague's tourism sector. According to the Czech Statistical Office, the city saw a dramatic climb from 1.41 million accommodated guests in 2021 to a record 8.27 million in 2025.
Foreign guests now drive the majority of the city's tourism, accounting for 81% of all accommodated guests in 2025 (6,697,174 people). While Germany remains the primary source market with 981,800 guests, the new VietJet link is expected to boost the 15.2% share currently held by Asian visitors.
Navigating Prague: Logistics and Planning
For the influx of Southeast Asian and Central Asian travelers, Prague offers a highly accessible infrastructure. The city's public transport—comprising the metro, trams, and buses—is comprehensive. A 24-hour ticket is priced at CZK 150 for paper tickets or CZK 140 via the Lítačka app.
Visitors can choose accommodation based on their travel style:
- Staré Město: Ideal for first-timers seeking proximity to the Old Town.
- Malá Strana: Preferred for a quieter, historic atmosphere near the castle.
- Vinohrady and Karlín: Best for those seeking local dining and a residential feel.
Prague Tourism Growth Data (2021–2025)
| Year | Total Accommodated Guests | Foreign Guests | Context/Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1.41 million | 1.41 million* | Pandemic-era restrictions |
| 2022 | 5.98 million | 4.49 million | Major recovery phase |
| 2023 | ~7.4 million | ~5.8 million | 24.3% year-on-year increase |
| 2024 | 8.08 million | 6.51 million | Exceeded 2019 record by 0.4% |
| 2025 | 8.27 million | 6.70 million | New historic high |
*2021 figures reflect total guests under heavy pandemic restrictions.
Suggested 4-Day Prague Itinerary
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening | Culinary Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Old Town Square | Astronomical Clock & Jewish Quarter | Charles Bridge | Traditional Czech lunch & desserts |
| 2 | Prague Castle | St. Vitus Cathedral & Lesser Town | Vltava Riverside | Traditional Czech dinner |
| 3 | New Town | Wenceslas Square & Museums | Vinohrady or Karlín | Modern Czech cuisine & local cafés |
| 4 | Vyšehrad/Holešovice | Shopping & Sightseeing | Final Old Town walk | Local bakery breakfast |
Key Takeaways
- Route Launch: VietJet begins Hanoi-Almaty-Prague service on October 10, 2026.
- Aircraft & Frequency: Airbus A330-300 (377 seats) operating twice weekly.
- Strategic Advantage: Fifth-freedom rights allow independent ticket sales between Prague and Almaty.
- Market Demand: Over 75,000 annual travelers already exist between Hanoi and Prague despite the lack of direct flights.
- Tourism Growth: Prague reached a record 8.27 million guests in 2025, signaling high readiness for new international routes.
FAQ
When does the Hanoi to Prague flight start? The service is scheduled to begin on October 10, 2026.
Does the flight go directly from Hanoi to Prague? No, the flight includes a scheduled stop in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Can I book a flight only between Almaty and Prague? Yes, because the route operates under fifth-freedom traffic rights, tickets are available for the Prague-Almaty sector.
How many people are expected to use the route in the first year? Prague Airport estimates more than 67,000 passengers in both directions.
