Award-winning budget carrier Vietjet has been named the official airline partner of four major ASEAN United FC competitions, strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia while supporting regional football and cross-border travel.
The partnership was concluded by Sportfive, the exclusive commercial partner of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF). It covers the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026, ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup, ASEAN Women’s MSIG Cup, and ASEAN U-23 Championship.
As the official airline partner, Vietjet will help connect fans, teams, and tournament stakeholders across Southeast Asia through the region’s top football competitions.
The partnership begins with the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026, the AFF’s flagship men’s national team tournament. It comes as interest in regional football continues to grow, with more fans traveling across ASEAN to support their national teams and clubs.
For Filipino football enthusiasts, the partnership could provide more convenient and affordable travel options to watch matches in neighboring countries as the airline expands its network. It also highlights the Philippines’ increasing participation in regional sporting events and tourism initiatives within ASEAN.
Vietjet entered the Philippine market in November 2025 with daily nonstop flights between Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Ho Chi Minh City. The route gives Filipino travelers another gateway to Vietnam while providing onward connections to destinations across the airline’s regional network.
The airline has also announced plans to launch direct flights between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City in the coming months. The additional service is expected to improve connectivity for travelers from the Visayas while supporting tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between the Philippines and Vietnam.
Founded in 2011, Vietjet has expanded rapidly across Vietnam and the broader Asia-Pacific region. It now operates more than 135 routes serving destinations throughout Southeast Asia and beyond, with plans to expand its network into Europe.
The airline said its continued expansion reflects its goal of making air travel more accessible while promoting stronger economic, cultural, and social ties among countries in the region.
The partnership with ASEAN United FC also underscores the growing role of commercial aviation in supporting major sporting events. Improved regional connectivity enables fans, athletes, and officials to travel more easily while helping host countries benefit from increased tourism and business activity.
To Viet Thang, Vietjet standing vice president, said: “Vietjet has always been committed to supporting meaningful sporting events around the world, with the aim of connecting people and creating positive value for communities. Our partnership with ASEAN United FC competitions reaffirms Vietjet’s commitment to connecting not only destinations, but also people, cultures, and shared values across communities. Through aviation and sports, Vietjet aims to foster regional connectivity, showcase Southeast Asia to the world, and create greater opportunities for sustainable development.”
Maj. Gen. Khiev Sameth, president of the AFF, said: “On behalf of the ASEAN Football Federation, I am delighted to welcome Vietjet and Vikki Digital Bank to the ASEAN football family. As leading brands, Vietjet and Vikki Digital Bank share our belief in the power of connectivity to unite people and strengthen communities. With connectivity at the heart of its business, Vietjet and Vikki are natural partners for the ASEAN United FC events. Together, we look forward to embarking on a shared journey of unity and growth, bringing member associations, clubs, fans, and communities across ASEAN even closer together through the power of football.”
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