TravTalk India Online Magazine
In a first for Indian travellers, MakeMyTrip has partnered with Air India Express to launch direct charter flights and exclusive holiday packages to Phu Quoc, Vietnam; a destination long admired but rarely accessible. Starting 9 December 2025, this collaboration will give Indian agents and operators a new, high-demand product just in time for the winter travel season.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, has often featured on Indian travellers’ wish lists but remained just out of reach; until now. MakeMyTrip’s newly announced partnership with Air India Express is set to change that by introducing direct flights and curated holiday packages to the island known as the “Pearl of Vietnam”.
For the Indian travel trade, this is more than a new route. It’s a fresh opportunity to build itineraries around a destination that offers tropical charm, easy connectivity, and mass appeal across families, couples, and young explorers.
As part of the launch, MakeMyTrip has scheduled multiple exclusive flights from Delhi to Phu Quoc for the upcoming winter season, with departures every five days. Each flight will cut down travel time from eight hours (via connecting routes) to just five, making Phu Quoc a quick international getaway that can rival Thailand or Bali for Indian leisure travellers.
Jasmeet Singh, Chief Commercial Officer – Holidays & Experiences, MakeMyTrip, says the goal was to make Phu Quoc both accessible and familiar. “Indian travellers today want unique experiences without compromising comfort. Phu Quoc fits perfectly; it’s scenic, culturally rich, and affordable, but lacked direct access. With this collaboration, we’ve solved that gap. Our packages also include Indian meals alongside authentic Vietnamese cuisine to ensure our travellers enjoy a perfect mix of comfort and discovery.”
The key advantage lies in distribution. MakeMyTrip has confirmed that these exclusive packages will also be available through MyPartner, its B2B platform, ensuring trade partners can seamlessly book, sell, and manage these products. The move aligns with MakeMyTrip’s continued effort to strengthen its partnerships with India’s agent network and expand its reach through collaborative sales.
Air India Express, which is operating the charter flights, has also integrated the product under its newly launched Xpress Holidays initiative. Manish Puri, Head of Global Sales, Air India and Air India Express, said, “This partnership is about creating meaningful connections and expanding India’s leisure footprint across emerging destinations. We’re delighted to work with MakeMyTrip to make Phu Quoc just a short flight away.”
Phu Quoc promises a diverse mix of attractions, from its 8-kilometre sea-crossing cable car to VinWonders theme park, wildlife safari, and the island’s famous pearl farms. Sunset Town and the Kiss of the Sea show are fast becoming must-visit experiences for couples and younger travellers. With year-round tropical weather and a growing portfolio of luxury resorts, the island is poised to become Vietnam’s next major draw for Indians.
The well priced packages make it a competitive product in the short-haul international space. For the industry, this marks a chance to offer something fresh, high-margin, and time-perfect ahead of the festive season.
With MakeMyTrip already working with local authorities and the Committee of An Giang Province to promote long-term visibility for Phu Quoc, this launch could well set the stage for Vietnam’s next big tourism story and India’s next favourite island escape.
