On the afternoon of March 20, 2026, Da Nang City hosted a welcoming ceremony for the inaugural flights from Manila (Philippines) and Bali (Indonesia) operated by AirAsia, marking a new milestone in expanding the city’s international air connectivity across Southeast Asia.
At 15:20, flight Z2 824 operated by Philippines AirAsia, departing from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila), landed at Da Nang International Airport, bringing 180 passengers from the Philippines to the city. According to the operational plan, the Manila – Da Nang route is operated by Philippines AirAsia with a frequency of four flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using Airbus A320 aircraft. The launch of this route enhances direct connectivity between Da Nang and the Philippines – one of the region’s dynamic tourism markets.
Later, at 17:55 on the same day, flight QZ480 operated by Indonesia AirAsia, departing from Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali), arrived at Da Nang International Airport with 180 passengers. This is also the first direct route connecting Bali (Indonesia) with Da Nang. The Bali – Da Nang route is operated by Indonesia AirAsia with a frequency of four flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using Airbus A320 aircraft, contributing to expanding connectivity between Da Nang and one of the region’s leading tourism destinations.
The welcoming ceremony for the Manila & Bali – Da Nang routes by AirAsia took place at Terminal T2 – Da Nang International Airport, attended by leaders of the Da Nang People’s Committee, representatives of the Embassy of Indonesia in Vietnam, representatives from the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Department of Foreign Affairs, Middle Airports Authority, Border Police at Da Nang International Airport, Customs Office at Da Nang International Airport, Da Nang International Airport, Da Nang International Terminal Investment and Operation Joint Stock Company, AirAsia, and media agencies.
As part of the event, various welcoming activities were held, including water cannon salute, artistic performances, route inauguration ceremony, flower and souvenir presentation to passengers, and commemorative photo sessions. Passengers on these flights expressed their excitement at the warm and hospitable welcome from Da Nang.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Thi – Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, stated that AirAsia’s official launch of the Manila – Da Nang route, along with the introduction of the direct Bali – Da Nang route from March 20, 2026, holds significant importance in expanding air connectivity and creating momentum for the city’s tourism development. These routes not only shorten travel time between Da Nang and key tourism hubs in the region but also promote cultural exchange, trade, tourism, enhance visitor flows, and expand cooperation with Southeast Asian destinations, while improving access to potential markets such as Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
She also expressed her expectation that AirAsia, with its extensive flight network, will continue to serve as a vital bridge, contributing to attracting more international visitors to Da Nang.
Ms. Jane Runkat – Representative of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Vietnam shared: “Travel demand between Indonesia and Vietnam continues to grow. In 2025 alone, more than 300,000 visits were exchanged between citizens of the two countries. This reflects not only the strong appeal of tourism but also expanding cooperation opportunities between the two nations. Official visits at all levels, professional exchanges, bilateral trade reaching a record of USD 17.2 billion in 2025, and cooperation in education, tourism, and cultural exchange continue to grow strongly. In recent years, the increase in direct flights between Jakarta, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Bali/Denpasar has significantly strengthened bilateral relations. Today marks a special milestone. The Bali – Da Nang route is the first direct flight connecting the two cities, opening new opportunities for tourism, trade, and bilateral cooperation.”
Additional information about AirAsia
– AirAsia has been named the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for 16 consecutive years by Skytrax. Headquartered in Malaysia, it operates through multiple affiliates including AirAsia Malaysia, Thai AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia, Philippines AirAsia, and AirAsia Cambodia. Currently, AirAsia operates numerous international routes connecting Vietnam with Southeast Asian countries.
– At Da Nang International Airport, AirAsia currently operates two routes: Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) – Da Nang operated by AirAsia Malaysia with approximately 28 flights per week; Bangkok (Thailand) – Da Nang operated by Thai AirAsia with approximately 21 flights per week.
Flight schedule
1. Manila (Philippines) – Da Nang route
| Route | Flight No. | Departure | Arrival | Frequency |
| DAD – MNL | Z2 825 | 17:25 | 20:55 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday |
| MNL – DAD | Z2 824 | 13:50 | 15:20 |
2. Bali (Indonesia) – Da Nang route
| Route | Flight No. | Departure | Arrival | Frequency |
| DAD – DPS | QZ 481 | 18:25 | 23:55 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday |
| DPS – DAD | QZ 480 | 14:15 | 17:55 |
DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM OF DA NANG
