Việt Nam aims to become a key transit hub for Southeast Asian and African travellers

Việt Nam aims to become a key transit hub for Southeast Asian and African travellers

Việt Nam is set to play a greater role as a transit hub connecting Southeast Asia and Africa, following a new strategic cooperation agreement between Deks Air International and Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier.

The MoU signing between Deks Air International and Ethiopian Airlines. Photo courtesy of Desk Air

Việt Nam is set to play a greater role as a transit hub connecting Southeast Asia and Africa, following a new strategic cooperation agreement between Deks Air International and Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Hà Nội aims to strengthen collaboration in commercial aviation, promoting tourism and the growth of air passengers between the two regions.

Under the partnership, the two sides will work to attract more visitors from Southeast Asia and Africa to Việt Nam, supporting the country’s tourism promotion efforts and boosting the flow of international travellers.

According to Leulseged Desalegn, Country Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Việt Nam, the MoU marks a new phase of cooperation beyond the existing General Sales and Services Agreement that Deks Air Việt Nam holds for the airline.

“This agreement expands our partnership to include joint marketing initiatives, sales promotion and route development, helping to strengthen passenger flows between Southeast Asia, Việt Nam and Africa,” Desalegn said. “It will also position Việt Nam as a key connecting hub within Ethiopian Airlines’ growing network.”

With the airline’s extensive routes and flexible flight frequencies, passengers from Việt Nam and across Southeast Asia — including tourists, business travellers, investors and those visiting relatives — will have more convenient connections to destinations across Africa and beyond.

The cooperation agreement is also expected to enhance trade, tourism and investment exchanges between Việt Nam, Southeast Asia and Africa, reinforcing Việt Nam’s emerging role as a regional aviation hub.

Managing Director of Deks Air Việt Nam Cao Xuân Phú said the MoU identifies several key areas of collaboration. These include market intelligence and analysis, as well as strategic support for Ethiopian Airlines’ regional growth in Southeast Asia.

“Through Deks Air Group’s network of offices in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and China, we will work closely with Ethiopian Airlines to design campaigns that attract travellers from Southeast Asia to Việt Nam, helping promote the country’s image as a preferred destination,” Phú said.

To further enrich passenger experiences, Deks Air Group and Ethiopian Airlines will also explore new travel packages that allow visitors to combine sightseeing and cultural experiences in Việt Nam with onward journeys across Africa.

The signing ceremony coincided with the 50th anniversary of Deks Air, marking a significant milestone for the international aviation and travel group.

Founded in 1975, Deks Air currently operates in five countries and nine key cities across Asia, offering airline representation services for both passenger and cargo operations, as well as full-service tourism and visa consultancy.

According to Deks Air, the partnership with Ethiopian Airlines reflects its long-term commitment to sustainable global cooperation and its ambition to strengthen Việt Nam’s position as a dynamic gateway connecting Asia and Africa. 

Bizhub