ABU DHABI, 20 November 2025: Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines have entered a new codeshare and frequent flyer partnership designed to strengthen air connectivity between the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. The agreement expands Etihad’s recently launched Abu Dhabi-Hanoi route, allowing travelers to access a wider network of destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa through a single, streamlined booking. Under the arrangement, Etihad passengers will be able to travel beyond Hanoi to several key domestic and regional destinations served by Vietnam Airlines, with the benefit of one ticket, single check-in, and through-checked baggage for the entire journey.
The move positions Abu Dhabi as a strategic hub linking Vietnam to global markets and supports growing demand for seamless travel between Asia and the Middle East. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said the partnership was a natural extension of the airline’s efforts to enhance regional connectivity and customer experience. “This partnership with Vietnam Airlines delivers significant value to our guests by unlocking access to some of Asia’s most dynamic and popular destinations,” he said. “Our new Abu Dhabi-Hanoi service has been warmly received, and this codeshare agreement transforms it into a gateway to Vietnam’s most exciting cities.” De added that the collaboration includes a reciprocal frequent flyer agreement, enabling members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem miles across each carrier’s global network. He said this step reinforces Etihad’s goal of providing travelers with greater flexibility, broader reach, and enhanced service quality.
Frequent flyer collaboration enhances travel rewards
Vietnam Airlines echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the growing importance of cooperation between the two carriers. Nguyen Quang Trung, Director of Corporate Planning and Development at Vietnam Airlines, said the codeshare marks an important milestone following the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the airlines in 2024. “The collaboration offers seamless access to Etihad’s network across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, while allowing more travelers to experience Vietnam Airlines’ signature warmth and hospitality,” he said. According to Vietnam Airlines, the partnership will be introduced in phases, with passengers initially gaining access to six destinations beyond Abu Dhabi-Athens, Addis Ababa, Bahrain, Muscat, Cairo, and Istanbul.
Partnership reinforces shared global ambitions
The addition of these routes is expected to significantly broaden the carrier’s reach into markets critical to trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. The agreement comes amid growing air travel demand between Southeast Asia and the Gulf region, driven by tourism recovery and expanding commercial ties. Both carriers said the enhanced cooperation would support economic development and tourism flows between Vietnam and the UAE, reflecting a shared commitment to global connectivity and customer-centric innovation. – By Content Syndication Services.