IndiGo starts a daily nonstop flight between Mumbai and Hanoi on Sunday, 25 October, the first day of the airline industry’s winter schedule. Flight 6E 1637 is scheduled to leave Mumbai at 4:15 am and reach Hanoi at 10 am local time. The return, 6E 1638, leaves Hanoi at 7:05 pm and lands in Mumbai at 11:05 pm. When IndiGo announced the route in September, it said the timings were subject to regulatory approvals.

With Mumbai added, IndiGo will fly directly to Hanoi from three Indian cities, joining its existing daily services from Delhi and Kolkata. The flight offers IndiGoStretch, the airline’s business cabin with wider seats, extra legroom and complimentary hot meals. Akasa Air already flies between Mumbai and Hanoi, having started a four-times-weekly service in September.

Why it matters

Vietnam has become one of the most popular short international holidays for Indian travellers, drawn by its food, landscapes and costs that compare well with other Southeast Asian destinations. Until recently, travellers from western India usually had to change planes somewhere along the way. Two airlines on the route means more choice of travel days and the possibility of sharper fares as they compete.

The timing also shapes the trip. An early morning departure means you land in Hanoi before lunch with most of a day still ahead, while the evening return lets you use your last day in the city. Hanoi is a practical base for northern Vietnam, with places such as Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh commonly visited from the city.

What you can do

  • Sort out your visa first. Indian passport holders need a visa for Vietnam, and the country offers an e-visa that can be issued for up to 90 days with single or multiple entry. Apply only through the official government portal and leave several working days for processing.
  • Plan for the hour. A 4:15 am departure means reaching Mumbai airport in the middle of the night, so arrange a reliable transfer or a stay close to the airport.
  • Compare fares across both airlines and a few different dates before you book, since a daily flight and a four-weekly flight can price quite differently.
  • Check the season. Northern Vietnam is generally cooler and drier in the coming months, and Hanoi evenings can feel chilly in mid-winter, so pack a light layer.

Related on Elsepost

Sources