AirAsia launches Manila-HCMC service

09 Oct 2017 2048 | Business & Trade Fairs

MANILA Philippines AirAsia will start a new service from Manila to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam this November.

The airline has already opened booking for the new service due to get underway 7 November with a VIP loaded inaugural flight.

Using an Airbus A320 aircraft the airline will fly the route three times weekly.

The downside for passengers is the late night departure scheduled for 2315 from Manila (arriving in HCMC at 0105) and the 0135 departure slot from Ho Chi Minh City that will get passengers into Manila at the unearthly hour of 0515.

Flights depart Manila on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday and on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday for the return sector. This is definitely a downside for AirAsia fans who are used to having a daily flight option.

Competition is keen on the route already, with PAL and Vietnam Airlines enjoying the best time slots with mid-day flights from Manila.

Cebu Pacific flies in the evening, while AirAsia, the route’s late comer, is lumbered with a red-eye departure almost at midnight.

The departure time differences are reflected in the airfares. Confident Vietnam Airlines pegs its lowest fare at USD357 on fare comparison site, Skyscanner for its midday departure.