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Expanded Canada–Vietnam agreement clears the way for direct flights

The arrangement permits up to 14 weekly passenger flights per country and seven weekly cargo services.

The Canadian

World affairs

September 24, 2026

4 min read

A busy city corridor representing international travel

Canada and Vietnam have expanded their air transport agreement to allow direct passenger flights between the two countries for the first time. Ottawa says the change responds to strong growth in bilateral travel and supports its Indo-Pacific and trade-diversification strategies.

The agreement permits each country to operate up to 14 weekly combined passenger flights and seven weekly all-cargo flights. Cargo carriers also receive fifth-freedom rights, allowing service between two foreign countries when a flight begins or ends in the airline's home country.

Vietnam is Canada's largest trading partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. More direct air links could shorten passenger journeys, improve cargo movement, and support tourism, education, and family connections.

The announcement formed part of a broader strategic partnership between the two countries. Airlines will still make their own commercial decisions about routes and launch dates within the rights created by the agreement.

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