Airlines for Pet Transport from Vietnam to India 2026: Routing, Carriers & Key Rules

Vietnam Airlines flies nonstop from Vietnam to four of India‘s seven pet entry airports: Delhi and Mumbai (from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), plus Bengaluru and Hyderabad (from Hanoi, since May 2025). For Chennai, Kolkata and Kochi, your pet still connects through a hub. The routing decision matters as much as the airline: the AQCS station at your arrival airport is the one that issues your NOC and inspects your pet, so pick the entry city first and the flight second.

Direct vs. Transit: Which Gateways Have a Nonstop Option

Route lists change by season, so confirm the schedule and the aircraft for your exact date when you book. A nonstop flight removes transit risk entirely, which is why it is the first option we check for any Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru or Hyderabad move.

Carrier Options and Their Characteristics

Vietnam Airlines (Nonstop — Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad)

• Dogs and cats up to 32 kg (pet + crate) can travel as checked baggage (AVIH) on the owner’s flight; heavier pets go as cargo under an Air Waybill through Vietnam Airlines Cargo.
• India is not on Vietnam Airlines’ list of routes with pet restrictions, but every pet booking is confirmed case by case — request it as soon as you hold a ticket.
• Breed list: Vietnam Airlines refuses a published list of breeds on every form of carriage, including flat-faced dogs and cats (Pugs, Bulldogs, Persians, Himalayans and others) and several strong breeds such as the Rottweiler and Pit Bull. Check the current list before booking.
• Weather: the airline states that it may require a Certificate of Adaptation, or refuse carriage, when the weather is excessively hot or cold. It does not publish a fixed temperature threshold.
• AVIH is booked through Vietnam Airlines customer service or an agent, not as an online add-on.

Emirates (via Dubai — DXB)

• From HAN or SGN through Dubai to most Indian gateways, including Chennai and Kolkata.
• Dubai has a dedicated, air-conditioned animal transit area with veterinary cover.
• Summer heat (roughly May–September) brings seasonal restrictions, and flat-faced breeds are accepted only under conditions — confirm with Emirates SkyCargo for your animal.

Singapore Airlines (via Singapore — SIN)

• From SGN or HAN through Singapore to several Indian gateways, including Chennai.
• Pets travel as checked baggage only (no cabin); pet plus crate over 32 kg goes through a cargo agent.
• Singapore Airlines does not accept pets connecting to or from other airlines, so the whole journey has to be on Singapore Airlines.
• Its refused-breed list includes flat-faced cats such as the British Shorthair, Persian and Scottish Fold, as well as flat-faced dogs.

Thai Airways (via Bangkok — BKK)

• A possible connection through Bangkok, mainly as cargo.
• Thai Airways does not accept checked-baggage pets on A320 aircraft, so check the aircraft type on the Vietnam–Bangkok leg before relying on this routing.
• Thai Airways refuses a list of 34 dog breeds as checked baggage; cargo acceptance is decided by its cargo department.

Domestic Connections Within India

• If your final city has no AQCS station, your pet clears AQCS at the entry airport first, then continues on a domestic flight or by road.
• Domestic pet rules (Air India, IndiGo and others) are separate from international rules — confirm them independently.

Routing Matrix: Vietnam to Major Indian Cities

Key Rules That Apply on All Routes

Checked Baggage or Cargo

On a nonstop Vietnam Airlines flight, a pet up to 32 kg including the crate can usually fly as checked baggage on the owner’s own flight. Larger dogs, pets travelling without the owner, and most hub routings go as cargo under a separate Air Waybill, handled by the cargo team rather than the passenger counter.

IATA Crate Compliance Is Non-Negotiable

Every carrier on this corridor requires a fully IATA-compliant crate — correct size for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally, secure locking hardware, proper ventilation, and attached food and water containers. A crate that fails inspection at check-in cannot be replaced at the airport that day.

Flat-Faced Breeds

Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Persian cats, Himalayan cats and other flat-faced breeds are refused or restricted by almost every carrier serving this route. Check the specific airline’s list before you plan anything else, because it can rule out the most convenient routing.

Transit Time

Long layovers at hot airports add stress for animals in the hold. If a hub routing is unavoidable, prefer the shortest connection on a single airline and a hub with a dedicated animal facility, such as Dubai or Singapore.

Booking Timeline

Request the pet booking 4–6 weeks before departure — live animal space is limited on each flight. Your NOC application also needs the confirmed flight number, date and entry airport, so the airline booking and the NOC are linked. See the week-by-week plan in our India pet import regulations guide.

For a cost breakdown, see Pet Relocation Cost to India 2026.