Bikini airline Launches Direct Flights from Hanoi to Xi’an and Chengdu

In a move to capture the spirit of summer travel, Vietjet Air has announced two new direct flight routes from Hanoi to Xi’an and Chengdu, two of China’s most iconic cultural destinations. The first flights will take off on July 1, 2025, with promotional fares starting from 0 VND, available through the airline’s website and mobile app.

These new connections are part of Vietjet’s continued expansion in Asia, offering travelers a chance to explore the historic wonders of Xi’an, home to the Terracotta Army, or visit Chengdu, famous for its pandas and Sichuan cuisine.

A Journey with Flair – From Pho Thin to Pandas

Known for injecting flair and local flavor into its services, Vietjet promises passengers more than just a flight. The airline offers a menu of Vietnamese culinary staples, including Pho Thin and Bánh mì, alongside a selection of fresh, hot meals. Passengers can also enjoy in-flight cultural performances, blending entertainment with travel at 10,000 meters above sea level.

Vietjet’s Bold Branding Journey

Vietjet, dubbed by international media as the “bikini airline”, first drew global attention in 2012 for a controversial marketing campaign featuring models in bikinis posing as flight attendants. The campaign sparked a media storm and regulatory backlash, earning the airline a fine and a wave of public debate.

Credit to: maxim.com

Despite criticism, Vietjet leaned into the controversy, staging what it claimed was the first in-flight flash mob—again featuring bikini-clad dancers. The airline’s branding hit another peak in 2018 with a similarly polarizing campaign involving Vietnam’s U23 national football team.

Vietjet Air is a Vietnamese ultra-low-cost airline, known for its racy advertising featuring flight attendants in bikinis.

While these tactics drew sharp scrutiny, especially within Vietnam, they also catapulted Vietjet into global visibility. The airline gained widespread brand recognition, which many analysts believe helped accelerate its rise in the competitive low-cost carrier market.

A Maturing Brand in the Skies

Today, Vietjet is positioning itself not just as a bold marketer but as a serious regional carrier. The airline boasts a modern, fuel-efficient fleet, emphasizes safety and service, and now connects Vietnam to more than a dozen countries. Its newer campaigns focus more on affordability, comfort, and cultural connection, moving beyond the bikini-era headlines.

The new Hanoi–China routes come at a time when outbound travel from Vietnam is rebounding and cultural tourism across Asia is booming. For travelers, it’s a timely invitation to experience two historic Chinese cities—and a reminder that Vietjet continues to be one of the region’s most dynamic, if unconventional, airlines.

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