Quantcast

Vietnam Airlines operates world’s rarest Airbus A350 routes in 2025

Vietnam Airlines operates world’s rarest Airbus A350 routes in 2025
Policy
Webp 2
Le Hong Ha, CEO | Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines is operating some of the rarest scheduled Airbus A350 flights in 2025, with all such routes listed this year being operated by the Vietnamese flag carrier. The airline owns 14 A350-900s within its 96-aircraft fleet, but five of these widebodies are currently parked.

The rarest routes include flights between major Asian and European cities. Only one scheduled A350 flight connects Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport and Beijing Capital Airport in each direction this year. Both airports are among the busiest in their respective countries, serving as major political and business centers. Vietnam Airlines' decision to use an A350 for such a short route is notable since the aircraft is typically designed for long-haul operations.

According to available data, the airline often opts for its more numerous narrowbody Airbus A321s on shorter international sectors, as it has 48 of those jets. The limited deployment of the A350 on short routes may be influenced by traffic density or operational considerations.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Another pair of rare flights includes Hanoi to Busan’s Gimhae International Airport and back, again with only one departure scheduled in each direction this year. The use of a widebody like the A350 on these medium-range routes could be due to sporadic spikes in demand or operational requirements, although no official reason has been given by Vietnam Airlines.

The same pattern appears on Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Busan (PUS) and return flights—both served only once by an A350 this year. SGN is Vietnam's busiest airport with over 40 million annual passengers, while PUS handles over 15 million travelers per year and faces congestion issues due to its geographic constraints.

One-off long-haul deployments also appear: Tokyo Narita Airport sees a single Vietnam Airlines A350 service to Da Nang International Airport; London Heathrow receives just one outbound flight to Hanoi; and Frankfurt International hosts one departure from Ho Chi Minh City using an A350 during 2025. These longer missions allow the aircraft to operate closer to its optimal performance range.

Operational factors behind these infrequent deployments include ongoing cabin upgrades and reported engine maintenance challenges for the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines that power Vietnam Airlines’ A350s. Reuters previously reported similar engine durability issues affecting other airlines such as Cathay Pacific.

Vietnam Airlines’ preference seems tilted towards using Boeing 787 Dreamliners—of which it has 17—instead of its smaller pool of active A350s. This shift may reflect both current maintenance needs and broader strategic decisions about fleet utilization.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

United Airlines has announced it will add 10 new destinations from its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub starting next year.

Oct 25, 2025

The partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as Blue Sky, has officially launched.

Oct 25, 2025

American Airlines will introduce its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft on December 18, marking the first time a U.S. airline operates this model.

Oct 25, 2025