Poland to Vietnam: First Summer Charter Flights Take Off

For the first time ever, European tourists are booking summer trips to Vietnam instead of waiting for winter break.

Starting in May 2027, charter flights from Poland will arrive monthly through September, each carrying about 300 passengers. This marks a major shift for Vietnam's tourism industry, which has traditionally seen European visitors only from November to March.

"This is the first time we can welcome European guests during the summer," said Le Phong Tran from Vietluxtour, one of Vietnam's leading travel companies. The change reflects Vietnam's new visa policies and growing reputation as a must-visit destination.

The numbers tell an impressive story. In just the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam welcomed 6.76 million international visitors, up 12 percent from last year and setting a new record.

Poland led the surge with 52 percent growth, while Russian visitors jumped nearly 195 percent. Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, and Italy all grew by more than 20 percent.

European tourists now make up over 35 percent of international arrivals at Vietluxtour. These visitors tend to stay longer, spend more, and explore beyond the usual hotspots like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

That spending pattern is spreading tourism benefits to smaller cities without international airports, including Ca Mau, Pleiku, and Buon Ma Thuot. Local communities in these areas are seeing new economic opportunities from hospitality and cultural tourism.

The Ripple Effect

The tourism boom is changing entire regions. Khanh Hoa province now welcomes 20 daily flights from South Korea alone and expects up to 50 international cruise ships this year.

After diversifying beyond Chinese and Russian markets, the province aims to host over 6.5 million international visitors in 2026. New connections with India and Southeast Asia are creating steady year-round income for local businesses.

Even Middle East conflicts that disrupted some connecting flights couldn't slow Vietnam's momentum. Direct flights kept arriving on schedule, and pre-booked group tours continued as planned.

Travel companies report bookings extending through the end of 2026, suggesting the growth will continue. When regional tensions ease, postponed travelers are expected to reschedule, similar to the post-pandemic recovery pattern.

Vietnam's strategy of welcoming visitors from multiple countries during different seasons is paying off with more stable tourism income and jobs that last beyond traditional peak months.