Promoting Air Connectivity Between Viet Nam and Hokkaido: Toward Charter and Scheduled Flights

The meeting was chaired by CAAV Deputy Director General Ho Minh Tan, with participation from directors and officials of the Air Transport Department and the Legal Affairs – International Cooperation Department, along with representatives of Viet Nam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines, and Vietravel Airlines.

The Japanese delegation was led by Mr. Nakata Takahiro, Honorary Consulate of Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in Sapporo and Chairman of the Hokkaido–Viet Nam Exchange Association in Sapporo. It also included members of the Hokkaido Legislative Assembly Members Association for Japan-Viet Nam Friendship, representatives of Hokkaido Airport Co., Ltd., the Japan Association of Travel Agents, and the Viet Namese Association in Hokkaido.

 

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of Viet Namese visitors to Japan reached 621,100 in 2024, an increase of 8.2% compared to the previous year, surpassing the record set in 2023. Viet Nam ranked 10th among all source markets and 4th in Southeast Asia in terms of visitor arrivals to Japan. Hokkaido, renowned for its majestic natural scenery and many attractive destinations, is increasingly appealing to Viet Namese tourists seeking unique travel experiences.

In addition, data from Japan’s Ministry of Justice show that as of the end of 2023, the Viet Namese community in Japan had exceeded 531,000 people, with 12,313 residing and working in Hokkaido. Notably, the number of Viet Namese residents in Hokkaido has grown approximately 23 times over the past decade (from 568 in 2014 to 12,313 in 2023), reflecting a rising demand for travel between Viet Nam and Hokkaido for visiting family, tourism, and business purposes.

The Japanese side also introduced Hokkaido’s well-developed air transport network, which includes seven airports: New Chitose (CTS), Hakodate (HKD), Asahikawa (AKJ), Obihiro (OBO), Kushiro (KUH), Memanbetsu (MMB), and Wakkanai (WKJ). In 2019, these airports handled over 30.2 million passengers in total, with New Chitose Airport serving as the primary international gateway, handling nearly 24.8 million passengers and offering domestic and international connections to major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Seoul, and Taipei.

 

The Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam noted that four Vietnamese airlines and two Japanese airlines currently operate routes between the two countries. Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air offer scheduled flights to multiple destinations in Japan, though there is not yet a direct route to Hokkaido.

Vietnamese airlines have also expressed interest in expanding connections with Hokkaido. Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air already operate scheduled services to five destinations in Japan and are studying the possibility of adding Hokkaido to their network.

In December 2024, Hokkaido Airport Co. signed an Argeement with Vietnam Airlines to develop routes to Hokkaido, initially through charter flights before moving toward regular scheduled services. During this visit, the two sides are expected to hold direct talks to advance the agreement.

Vietjet Air has also indicated interest in launching flights to Hokkaido, subject to operational feasibility.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam said it would help facilitate charter operations as a first step toward scheduled services, supporting tourism, trade, and travel between the two countries, while also improving connectivity for the Vietnamese community living in Hokkaido.

                                                                                                                                                                            (Legal and International Cooperation Department)