The federal government announces the beginning of direct flights between Canada and Vietnam

OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 24, 2026 /CNW/ -- Canada is expanding and diversifying its international agreements to build a stronger and more resilient economy. We are collaborating with our international partners in new and innovative ways and expanding opportunities for Canadians and Canadian businesses.

Today, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, highlighted an expanded air transport agreement with Vietnam, Canada's largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The expanded agreement was announced by Prime Minister Carney as part of the new Strategic Partnership between Canada and Vietnam.

The expanded air transport agreement allows for direct flights between Canada and Vietnam for the first time. This is in direct response to the significant growth in the bilateral air market and in support of Canada's Trade Diversification and Indo-Pacific strategies. By strengthening air connectivity, Canada and Vietnam are supporting business growth, facilitating the movement of goods, making travel more seamless, and fostering stronger people-to-people ties.

The expanded agreement includes:

• Up to 14 weekly passenger-combination flights per country
• Up to 7 weekly all-cargo flights per country
• Fifth freedom rights for all-cargo flights (the ability to operate flights between two foreign countries if the flight either starts or ends in the airline's home country)

Quotes

"With every new or expanded air transport agreement we are paving the way for more convenient travel and exciting new opportunities for investment, trade, and international collaboration. I'm so pleased to see this enhanced cooperation between Canada and Vietnam, a growing market with a rich culture and history."

The Honourable Steven MacKinnon 
Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

"Vietnam is one of Canada's most dynamic trading partners in Southeast Asia. Our merchandise exports to Vietnam reached over $1.3 billion in 2025, up 30% from the year before. By expanding our air transport agreement, we're making it easier for people and goods to move between our countries, opening new doors for businesses and diversifying Canada's trade."

The Honourable Maninder Sidhu
Minister of International Trade

Quick facts

• Vietnam is one of Canada's largest and fastest growing air markets in Asia.
• In 2025, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Vietnam totalled $20.6 billion.
• Canada is actively diversifying trade beyond North America and aims to double its non-U.S. exports within a decade, positioning itself as a reliable trading partner of choice in the Indo-Pacific. The Indo-Pacific is a priority region for expanding and diversifying Canada's trade and investment ties, unlocking new markets and opportunities for both Canadian and regional businesses.
• Canada and Vietnam share strong people-to-people ties, supported by a Vietnamese Canadian community of approximately 275,000 people generating growing demand for tourism, business, education, family travel, and air connectivity.
• The Government of Canada is continually working on new and expanded air transport agreements to improve Canada's international connectivity and provide more options for travellers and shippers.
• Canada has air transport agreements or arrangements covering more than 125 countries.

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SOURCE Transport Canada - Ottawa

Contacts: Marie-Justine Torres, Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor, Office of the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Ottawa, [email protected], 613-327-5918; Media relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055, [email protected]