Vietnam Airlines 5-Star Rating: Safety & Service Guide

Anyone who has flown through Vietnam knows the country’s flag carrier has a reputation for solid service. But in recent years, Vietnam Airlines has quietly racked up serious accolades — including a 4-star Skytrax rating and a 5-star COVID-19 safety certification — and this guide breaks down what those ratings actually mean for your booking, safety, and overall travel experience.

Skytrax rating: 4-star ·
Fleet size: 100+ aircraft ·
Destinations: 60+ (domestic + international) ·
Alliance: SkyTeam ·
Safety: 5-star COVID-19 (2021) ·
Founded: 1956

Seven key specifications, one pattern: Vietnam Airlines combines a modern fleet with strong safety credentials and broad network reach.

Is Vietnam Airlines a good airline to fly with?

Service quality and passenger reviews

Vietnam Airlines holds a 4-star rating from Skytrax (independent airline rating organisation), meaning its airport and onboard product – seats, amenities, food, cleanliness, and staff service – meet a globally recognised standard. On platforms like TripAdvisor, the airline averages around 3.5 to 4 out of 5 stars from thousands of reviews, with praise for cabin crew professionalism and criticism of older aircraft on certain routes.

• Skytrax rates the airline across seven categories: seats, amenities, food & beverages, inflight entertainment, cleanliness, cabin staff, and ground staff (Skytrax Ratings).
• Vietnam Airlines’ own awards page claims “5 stars for service” but this is self-reported (Vietnam Airlines Awards page).

On-time performance and reliability

According to OAG’s 2023 on-time performance data (available via third-party analysis), Vietnam Airlines typically achieves around 80% on-time arrival rate, placing it in the mid-range among full-service Asian carriers. The airline’s operational reliability supports its 4-star service rating.

Is Vietnam Airlines a 5 star airline?

Skytrax 5-star rating criteria

Skytrax’s World Airline Star Rating, established in 1999, evaluates product quality and front-line service through professional audits (Skytrax Ratings (methodology)). A 5-star rating represents the highest tier, currently held by only a handful of carriers. Vietnam Airlines holds a 4-star standard rating, not 5-star.

• The airline did receive a separate 5-star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating in 2021 – a health-safety certification distinct from the standard rating (Skytrax Ratings).
• Vietnam Airlines became the first airline in Vietnam and the ninth in the world to achieve that COVID-19 safety distinction (Vietnam Airlines eNews (official carrier news)).

Vietnam Airlines becomes first and only ‘Five-Star’ carrier in Vietnam

Confusion often arises because the airline markets itself as “5-star” based on its COVID-19 safety rating and self-reported service stars. Its standard Skytrax product rating remains 4-star as of 2025. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (official tourism body) celebrated the COVID-19 safety achievement as recognition of improved hygiene processes.

The implication is clear: the airline’s 5-star label only applies to one specific health certification, not to the full flying experience.

What is the ranking of Vietnam Airlines?

Skytrax World Airline Awards ranking

In the 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards, Vietnam Airlines ranked among the top 20 airlines globally (Skytrax Ratings). The exact position varies yearly; the airline has consistently appeared in the top 25 for the past several years.

• The airline’s own awards page states it ranked among the top 25 safest airlines worldwide in 2025 (Vietnam Airlines Awards page).
• In the Southeast Asian region, Vietnam Airlines competes with Singapore Airlines (5-star), Thai Airways (4-star), and Malaysia Airlines (4-star).

Safety ranking by AirlineRatings.com

Vietnam Airlines has not been specifically rated by AirlineRatings.com in the research provided. However, its safety record – no fatal accidents in the last 20 years – is widely cited in travel media. The airline’s awards page labels itself with “5 stars for safety” (Vietnam Airlines Awards page).

The pattern: consistent global recognition, yet still behind top-tier competitors in product finesse.

Is Vietnam Airlines a safe airline rating?

Safety record and audits

Vietnam Airlines operates under rigorous international safety standards as a SkyTeam member. It passed the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and maintains a fleet average age under 7 years (Wikipedia). The airline has no recorded fatal accidents in the last two decades.

• In 2021, Skytrax audited the airline’s COVID-19 preventive measures – including cleaning, disinfection, exposure limits, and protective equipment – and awarded its highest 5-star safety rating (Skytrax Ratings).
• The audit covered passenger service information, cleaning procedures, medical supplies, and incident-handling protocols (Vietnam Airlines eNews).

Fleet age and maintenance

Vietnam Airlines operates a mix of Airbus A350s, Boeing 787s, and A321s, with an average fleet age of around 6–7 years. Younger aircraft generally mean better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and fewer technical issues.

What this means: the airline’s safety credentials are robust, but the “5-star safety” claims should be taken with a grain of independent verification.

What kind of airline is Vietnam Airlines?

Flag carrier and SkyTeam member

Vietnam Airlines is the national flag carrier of Vietnam, wholly owned by the government. It joined the SkyTeam global airline alliance in 2010 (Wikipedia), giving passengers access to over 1,000 destinations across 170+ countries through partner airlines.

• SkyTeam partners include Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM, and Korean Air.
• The Lotusmiles loyalty program allows members to earn and redeem miles on all SkyTeam flights (Vietnam Airlines Awards page).

Domestic and international network

Vietnam Airlines operates to over 40 international destinations (including major hubs like London, Paris, Tokyo, Seoul, Sydney, and Los Angeles) and more than 20 domestic routes covering all major Vietnamese cities.

“Vietnam Airlines has become Vietnam’s first airline and the world’s ninth airline to secure Skytrax’s 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Certificate.”

— Vietnam Airlines eNews, July 2021 (official carrier announcement)

“We are delighted to present this 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating to Vietnam Airlines in recognition of the measures and systems they have introduced for passenger and staff safety.”

— Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax (Skytrax Ratings)

For a traveller booking a flight to Vietnam, the choice between Vietnam Airlines and a competitor like Singapore Airlines is clear: if you prioritise a premium seat and extensive in-flight entertainment, pay more for a 5-star carrier. If you want a safe, well-connected airline with solid service at a lower fare, Vietnam Airlines delivers. The risk is overpaying for an experience that doesn’t match a true 5-star product – but the reward is reliable travel at a reasonable price.

Frequently asked questions

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