UPDATE: In September 2018 Air New Zealand announced it would end its direct service to Vietnam due to inconsistent demand outside the school holidays. Flights to Vietnam will now be offered through Air New Zealand's partners via either Singapore or Hong Kong.
Air New Zealand will fly three times a week between Auckland and Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport on a seasonal basis, operating from June to October in 2016 with the potential to expand the season in subsequent years.
With a flight time of around 11 hours, the direct service will be operated by a Boeing 767-300 aircraft.
Visitors to Vietnam can soak up the French influence, sample the regional food offerings, discover more than 3,000 kilometres of coastline and explore the country’s history. From the beauty of Halong Bay and the mountains in the north, to the ancient port city of Hoi An, beach resorts on the southeast coast and the markets on the Mekong River - it’s a holiday destination with wide appeal.
With the addition of services to Ho Chi Minh City, Air New Zealand will now fly to 30 international destinations.
Tickets will go on sale in early 2016, subject to government and regulatory approvals.