Emirates Expands A350 Operations in Vietnam
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Quick Answer
Emirates flies to three cities in Vietnam: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. From 1 December 2026, all four of its daily flights between Dubai and Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will use the Airbus A350, which also brings Premium Economy to Hanoi.
For UK travellers, that means a newer aircraft on the Dubai–Vietnam leg of the journey, with connections from eight UK airports.
The Sunset Weekly Connection Reality: Flying with Emirates to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang offers seamless long-haul travel from eight UK airports via Dubai. Upgrading the Dubai–Vietnam routes to the Airbus A350 from 1 December 2026 provides enhanced comfort and new cabin options like Premium Economy to Hanoi.
SEARCH FLIGHTSWhat’s Changing
Emirates announced the changes on 28 October 2026, and they happen in two steps:
| Route | Flights | What changes | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai–Ho Chi Minh City | EK364/365 | A second daily A350 service, making the route twice-daily A350 | 1 November 2026 |
| Dubai–Hanoi | EK394/395 and EK388/389 | Both daily services switch to the A350 | 1 December 2026 |
Source: Emirates media centre, 28 October 2026.
As a result, by 1 December every daily Emirates flight to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will be an A350. In addition, Premium Economy arrives in Hanoi with the A350.
What the A350 Offers
The A350 is the newest aircraft in Emirates’ fleet. According to Emirates, it also carries 298 passengers in three cabins.
Business Class
First, Business Class uses a 1-2-1 layout, so every seat has direct aisle access. The seats are fully lie-flat and come with a personal minibar and wireless charging. Plus, there’s a shared snack display at the back of the cabin.
Premium Economy
Next, Premium Economy has leather reclining seats with adjustable headrests, in-seat charging and a 13.3-inch screen. Emirates also mentions a wood-finished side table, as well as complimentary amenity kits on select flights.
Economy
Finally, Economy has a new sky blue, bronze and cream colour scheme. Each seat also has a 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen and leather headrests.
What It Means for UK Travellers
Emirates doesn’t fly direct from the UK to Vietnam, so you’ll change planes in Dubai. In practice, you fly from one of its eight UK airports to Dubai, then connect to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang.
So what’s the benefit? First, Hanoi now gets Premium Economy, which gives you a middle option between Economy and Business on the Dubai–Hanoi leg. Second, Emirates says the change aims to give a more consistent experience between Vietnam, Dubai and its other A350 destinations. If you’re flying from Gatwick or Edinburgh, both of which have A350 services to Dubai, you could fly the A350 on both legs.
However, aircraft can change, so check the aircraft for each flight when you book, especially if you’ve paid for Premium Economy.
Do UK Travellers Need a Visa for Vietnam?
No, not for a short trip. In fact, according to GOV.UK, British citizens can visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days for tourism or business.
Here, then, are the key rules:
- Visa-free stay: up to 45 days, shown on your entry stamp.
- Passport: must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive.
- Longer trips: an e-visa allows a 90-day stay with multiple entries, although it only works at the entry and exit points you choose when applying.
Source: GOV.UK Vietnam travel advice, checked 30 October 2026.
Visa-Free Entry for Other European Travellers
Vietnam’s visa exemption also covers many other European countries. In particular, the Vietnamese government has confirmed two groups, each with a 45-day visa-free stay:
| Group | Countries | Valid |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution No. 44 | UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland, plus Japan and South Korea | 15 March 2025 to 14 March 2028 |
| Resolution No. 229 | Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland | 15 August 2025 to 14 August 2028 |
Source: Vietnamese government official portal (baochinhphu.vn), checked 30 October 2026.
In both cases, you still need to meet Vietnam’s standard entry conditions. Therefore, check your own government’s travel advice before you book.
Travelling From Vietnam to Dubai?
Emirates’ announcement also includes a useful note for Vietnamese travellers heading the other way. Vietnamese citizens may be eligible for a UAE visa on arrival if they hold:
- a valid residence permit from the US, UK, an EU country, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan or South Korea, or
- a valid visit or tourist visa from the US, UK or a Schengen country, or a US Green Card.
However, conditions apply, so check with Emirates before you travel.
Emirates in Vietnam at a Glance
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Vietnam destinations | Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang |
| Newest gateway | Da Nang, launched last year |
| Daily A350 flights from 1 December 2026 | Four: two to Hanoi and two to Ho Chi Minh City |
| Cabins on the A350 | Business, Premium Economy and Economy |
| How to book | emirates.com, the Emirates App or travel agents |
Sources: Emirates media centre and Emirates flights to Vietnam page, checked 30 October 2026.
Why Visit Vietnam?
Of course, the new aircraft is only half the story. Emirates describes Vietnam as one of Southeast Asia’s most popular tourist hotspots. For example, Ho Chi Minh City is home to more than seven million people and is known for its street food and luxury hotels. Similarly, Hanoi, the capital, is home to the 11th-century Temple of Literature. Meanwhile, Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has more than 3,000 limestone karsts.
FAQs
Which Vietnamese cities does Emirates fly to?
Emirates flies to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, and all three connect through Dubai.
When will Emirates fly the A350 to Hanoi?
From 1 December 2026, on both daily Dubai–Hanoi flights, EK394/395 and EK388/389.
Does Emirates have Premium Economy to Vietnam?
Yes, on the A350. As a result, from 1 December 2026, all four daily flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will use the A350, which has a Premium Economy cabin.
Do British citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Not for stays of up to 45 days for tourism or business, according to GOV.UK, as long as you meet the entry conditions. Your passport needs at least 6 months’ validity on arrival.
Can I fly direct from the UK to Vietnam with Emirates?
No. Instead, Emirates flights from eight UK airports connect through Dubai.
Editorial & Accuracy Standards
- Expert Review:
Ammara Azmat,
Senior Travel Mobility Analyst (12+ years experience) - Status: Verified for accuracy against official 2026 service data and real-time traveller reports.
- Our Process: This content follows our Fact-Checking Policy.