Jetstar’s new flights to Vietnam have taken off for the first time, providing Australian travellers with the only low-cost direct fares to the popular South East Asian destination.

The inaugural flight, JQ63, departed from Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City on May 10, followed by the Sydney direct service a day later.

Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Australia and New Zealand, Dean Salter, said the new flights are a major milestone for the airline.

“Vietnam is one of the fastest growing holiday destinations in South East Asia, and until now has been the largest country in the region without a low-cost direct link to Australia,” Salter said.

“There is enormous potential for Vietnam to become one of the most popular destinations for Australian travellers thanks to its wonderful year-round climate and great beaches, food and culture.

“We are already the biggest Australian carrier operating into Bali, Phuket and Hawaii – Vietnam is the next step in expanding our international network for budget conscious travellers,” he said.

From Ho Chi Minh City, travellers can fly to 15 other destinations within Vietnam on Jetstar Pacific, one of Vietnam’s top low-cost carriers.

The new flights will operate three times per week from Melbourne and four times a week from Sydney.

The new routes will be operated by Jetstar’s Boeing 787 fleet, with a capacity of 335 passengers per flight, including 21 business class seats.

Jetstar is offering sale fares from Sydney and Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City from $199 and $249 respectively.