A newly formed airline, LOTHA Airlines, has entered Vietnam’s aviation sector with ambitions that extend beyond domestic skies, positioning itself as a potential link between Southeast Asia and North African tourism markets. The carrier was registered in August 2025 and has quickly drawn attention for its declared focus on international routes connecting Vietnam with countries including Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Libya and Tunisia.
LOTHA Airlines was established with a modest charter capital of around VND10 billion (approximately $380,600) and is headquartered in Dong Nai Province. Nguyen Ngoc Son, the airline’s major shareholder and legal representative, leads the company’s strategic direction.
While the airline’s financial scale is small relative to larger regional carriers, its planned route strategy reflects a dual focus: direct air cargo services and passenger flights linking Vietnam with North African destinations. These routes are expected to support cargo flows – including agricultural goods such as cashew exports — while also enhancing travel connectivity between the regions.
According to industry reports, LOTHA Airlines aims to provide more efficient and potentially lower-cost flight options for passengers travelling between Vietnam and North Africa. Target destinations like Egypt, famed for its ancient historical sites, Morocco with its cultural hubs, and Tunisia’s Mediterranean resorts represent growing draws for international travellers. Enhanced connectivity may reduce travel times and expand choices for both leisure and business tourism between the two regions.
Observers note that improved airline services can have broader implications for tourism and hospitality sectors. Increased air access often supports higher visitor numbers, driving demand for hotels, resorts, and related services. In the case of North Africa, this could bring new tourism flows from Southeast Asia, potentially benefiting destinations already popular with global travellers.
At the same time, Vietnam’s own tourism industry stands to gain from greater international exposure, with more visitors exploring its cities, cultural attractions and coastal destinations. As LOTHA Airlines builds its network, its success in stimulating tourism will depend on regulatory approvals, market demand and competitive factors in a crowded aviation environment.
