Arkia Cancels Direct Ho Chi Minh Route, Shifts Focus to Hanoi and Manila
Arkia has cancelled its planned direct flights from Ben Gurion Airport to Ho Chi Minh City due to low demand, while doubling Hanoi flights and launching a new Manila route.
Arkia Israeli Airlines has abruptly cancelled its planned direct route from Ben Gurion Airport to Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam, citing low demand. The flights, initially scheduled to launch in October 2026 under the leadership of CEO Oz Berlowitz, were scrapped during the pre-sale phase after failing to attract sufficient consumer interest.
The planned 13.5-hour direct route to Vietnam's largest city carried a round-trip economy price tag of approximately $1,500. Following the cancellation, Arkia's management decided to reallocate resources toward strengthening other high-demand routes in Asia. Consequently, the airline will double its flight frequency to Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, increasing from one to two weekly flights during October and November.
Simultaneously, Arkia is expanding its presence in the Far East by launching a new direct route to Manila, Philippines. Set to begin on January 3, 2027, the weekly service will operate using wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft equipped with a business class cabin. Economy one-way fares to Manila will start at $749, capitalizing on the broader recovery in the aviation sector and the gradual return of international carriers to Ben Gurion Airport.
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