On January 5, 2026, the first direct flight connecting Tel Aviv (Israel) and Hanoi (Vietnam), operated by Arkia Airlines, was officially inaugurated at Noi Bai International Airport. This milestone marks a significant step forward in strengthening air connectivity between the two countries, while opening up new development space for tourism, trade, and the HORECA ecosystem.
Tel Aviv – Hanoi Direct Flight: A New Connectivity Milestone
The launch of the direct route significantly shortens travel time between Vietnam and Israel, replacing lengthy transit journeys previously required.
Key information on the route:
- Route: Tel Aviv (Israel) – Hanoi (Vietnam)
- Flight duration: Approximately 11.5 hours
- Frequency: Regular operations starting from January 5, 2026
More than just a new air route, this direct flight represents strategic connectivity infrastructure, laying the foundation for high-quality tourist flows and sustainable bilateral cooperation.
Israel – A High-Value International Source Market
Israel is widely recognized as a high-spending market with a long average length of stay, typically ranging from 15 to 17 days. Israeli travelers tend to prioritize:
- Family and small-group travel
- Long-stay leisure and resort holidays
- Healthcare and wellness tourism
- Cultural experiences and premium services
Under Vietnam’s development orientation, the country aims to welcome 300,000 Israeli visitors by 2030, with Hanoi and major cultural and resort destinations expected to become key gateways.
Economic Leverage Alongside Tourism Growth
Beyond tourism, the Tel Aviv – Hanoi direct flight also provides strong momentum for the implementation of the Vietnam–Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA). Both countries are targeting bilateral trade turnover of USD 4 billion in 2026.
Enhanced direct connectivity is expected to accelerate:
- Business and commercial exchanges
- Investment activities and technology transfer
- Cooperation in services, logistics, and high-quality human resources
Tourism and aviation thus serve as multi-dimensional economic connectors between the two nations.
Strategic Opportunities For The Tourism And HORECA Sectors
According to representatives of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, this is a favorable time for businesses to leverage the advantages of direct air connectivity alongside increasingly open visa policies, in order to attract high-quality visitor flows from the Middle East.
Notably, on the very day of the inaugural flight, a delegation of Israeli tour operators and media representatives commenced a seven-day market survey trip in Vietnam, signaling strong and long-term interest in the destination.
Promising segments for HORECA businesses include:
- Family travel and long-stay leisure tourism
- Premium and personalized accommodation services
- Experiential cuisine rooted in local culture
- Wellness, spa, and healthcare services
HORECFEX – Accompanying Businesses In Seizing New Opportunities
As international markets continue to expand, HORECFEX maintains its role as a platform connecting the hospitality, restaurant, and service community with:
- Emerging market trends
- International cooperation opportunities
- Sustainable development orientations aligned with high-value visitor segments
Proactively upgrading products, standardizing service quality, and integrating cultural and culinary experiences will be key for HORECA businesses to effectively capitalize on opportunities arising from the Vietnam–Israel direct flight from 2026 onward.
The Tel Aviv – Hanoi route not only shortens geographical distance, but also broadens the space for cooperation in tourism, trade, and Vietnam’s HORECA industry in a new phase of development.