New Direct Mumbai–Hanoi Flights: What Travelers Need to Know

Travel between India and Vietnam has become easier with the launch of a new direct Mumbai–Hanoi flight route.

Indian airline Akasa Air officially launched its Mumbai–Hanoi service on September 4, 2026, giving travelers a new nonstop option between Mumbai and Vietnam’s capital. The route operates four flights per week and is the airline’s first service to Vietnam.

The new connection comes as demand for travel between India and Vietnam continues to grow. Another Indian airline, IndiGo, is also preparing to launch a daily direct Mumbai–Hanoi service from October 25.

Akasa Air Mumbai–Hanoi Route

Akasa Air’s new service connects Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajahs International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai with Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi.

The inaugural flight, QP625, departed Mumbai at 5:35 a.m. on September 4 and arrived in Hanoi at noon local time. The return flight, QP626, departed Hanoi at 1:30 p.m.

The route is operated with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and has a flight time of approximately five hours.

Akasa Air is currently operating the route four times a week. The new service is the airline’s seventh international destination and its second in Southeast Asia after Phuket.

More Direct Flights Are Coming

Akasa Air is not the only airline increasing direct connectivity between Mumbai and Hanoi.

IndiGo is scheduled to begin daily direct Mumbai–Hanoi flights from October 25, 2026. This means travelers will have more choice when planning a trip between the two cities, particularly from late October onward.

For passengers, additional capacity can also mean more flexibility when comparing travel dates and flight options.

Why This Matters for Travelers

The new route is particularly useful for travelers starting a Vietnam trip in northern Vietnam.

Instead of connecting through another Asian airport, passengers from Mumbai will have a direct option to Hanoi. From the Vietnamese capital, travelers can continue to destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa and other parts of northern Vietnam.

Hanoi is also a practical starting point for a longer Vietnam itinerary. You can spend several days in the capital before continuing south toward central or southern Vietnam.

If you are visiting Hanoi for the first time, our Hanoi for First-Time Visitors Guide covers where to stay, what to see, how to get around and how to organize your time in the city.

What to Do After Arriving in Hanoi

International travelers arriving at Noi Bai International Airport have several ways to reach the city center.

The airport is outside central Hanoi, so you should plan your transfer before landing. Grab, taxis, airport buses and private transfers are all options depending on your budget, arrival time and group size.

Our Hanoi Airport to City Center Guide explains the main transportation options, typical prices and travel times.

Once you arrive in the city, the Old Quarter is one of the easiest areas to explore on foot. Hoan Kiem Lake, traditional streets, restaurants, cafés and many of Hanoi’s main attractions are concentrated around the central area.

Our Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Guide covers a practical route through the historic center.

Where to Stay in Hanoi

For a first visit, staying in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or around Hoan Kiem Lake is usually the most convenient option. You will be close to restaurants, attractions, cafés and many of the city’s most popular walking routes.

If you are comparing hotels in Hanoi, consider the location as well as the room price. Staying centrally can save time and reduce the need for repeated taxi or Grab journeys.

Travelers who want a quieter environment can also consider staying around West Lake or other neighborhoods outside the Old Quarter. Your choice depends largely on whether you prioritize nightlife and walkability or a more relaxed atmosphere.

Our Vietnam Hotel Prices Guide also gives an overview of accommodation costs across the country, including Hanoi.

Can You Start a Vietnam Trip in Hanoi?

Yes. Hanoi is one of the best starting points for a first trip to Vietnam, especially if you want to explore the north before traveling south.

A typical northern itinerary could combine Hanoi with Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay and Sapa. Travelers with more time can then continue to central Vietnam and eventually finish in Ho Chi Minh City or Phu Quoc.

Our Vietnam guide to the best places to visit can help you compare destinations and build a longer route.

Bottom Line

Akasa Air has now launched a new direct Mumbai–Hanoi route, operating four flights per week. The first flight arrived in Hanoi on September 4, 2026.

The development is particularly significant because IndiGo is also scheduled to begin daily direct Mumbai–Hanoi flights from October 25. Together, the two services will provide travelers with more direct options between Mumbai and northern Vietnam.

For anyone planning a Vietnam trip from India, Hanoi is now an increasingly convenient gateway to the country. From the capital, travelers can easily continue to northern destinations or begin a longer journey south.

Sources

Information about the Akasa Air route is based on VietnamPlus and the Noi Bai International Airport announcement.