Vietnam-based carrier Bamboo Airlines is planning to expand into the European markets, media reports said. The carrier has attained slots at London Heathrow for flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Bamboo Airlines will fly three weekly flights both from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. While flights from Heathrow to Ho Chi Minh will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, those to Hanoi will operate on Monday, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
Last year, it was reported that Bamboo Airlines will fly to other destinations in Europe as well such as Prague and Munich, however, the operations never took off due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is being reported that the carrier will soon fly to other destinations such as Frankfurt.
Last year, Bamboo Airways was granted a permit to fly to the US by the Department of transformation, media reports said. The carrier was the second Vietnamese carrier to be permitted by the US to fly to the country. The other carrier that was also granted a permit was Vietnam Airlines. A direct flight would bring the travel time down to 14 to 16 hours, generally, it takes 18 to 21 hours to travel between the two countries.
It is reported that Bamboo Airways will begin operating in the US by the end of 2021 or early 2022. The carrier will now file for paperwork with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Security Administration and other relevant agencies in the US.