Asia's 'most beautiful island' welcomes new direct flights from India

This marked the start of a month-long flight series that will link the two destinations and bring a fresh wave of visitors to Vietnam's pristine island.

The flight was the first in a set of eight direct services operating from Dec. 10, 2025 to Jan. 10, 2026. Air India operates the route in partnership with Vietravel and MakeMyTrip, India's largest online travel platform.

Tourism analysts view the launch as an important step in boosting one of Vietnam's fastest growing visitor markets, one that holds major potential for Phu Quoc.

"Indian travellers are increasingly looking for destinations that offer unique, memorable and easy to access experiences. Phu Quoc fits this demand and is already a highlight in our Vietnam itineraries. The island has remained under-accessed simply due to the lack of direct flights. With this new route, we are making it much easier for Indian travelers to experience Phu Quoc during the winter travel season," said Jasmeet Singh of MakeMyTrip.

Even before the introduction of direct flights, Phu Quoc had become a hot topic among Indian travelers alongside Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

Travel plus Leisure India recently described Phu Quoc as driving a "new check in wave" as social media fills with images of Indians unwinding on its beaches.

Phu Quoc appeals strongly to Indian visitors not only for its beaches but also for its signature attractions.

Data from Agoda in October shows Phu Quoc ranking among the ten most searched international honeymoon destinations for Indian travelers, with searches surging nearly 700% year on year.

At the same time, GQ India noted the sharp rise in Vietnam's popularity, with more than 500,000 Indian visitors in 2024, and highlighted why Phu Quoc stands out: more direct flights, straightforward visa procedures and attractive costs.

Phu Quoc is the only Vietnamese destination that offers 30-day visa waiver for all international travelers.