Hanoi-Milan direct flight launched
The launch of the Hanoi-Milan direct flight is expected to boost Vietnam's tourism and people-to-people ties amid rising Italian visitors to the Southeast Asian country.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam Airlines on July 1 inaugurated a direct flight between Hanoi and Milan, Italy, expanding its European network to nine destinations.
The inaugural ceremony took place at Milan Malpensa Airport and was attended by Vietnamese Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, Lombardy regional leaders and airport representatives.
Flight VN73, operated by Vietnam Airlines, departed Hanoi at 12:45 AM on July 1 and landed in Milan at 7:40 AM local time. The return flight, coded VN72, left Milan at 12:45 PM and landed in Hanoi the following morning.
The route is operated using Boeing 787 wide-body aircraft and offers three round-trip flights per week on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Each flight takes nearly 12 hours.
Vietnam Airlines – the national flag carrier. Photo courtesy of the airlines
This new direct service also promotes tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between the two countries.
Vietnam Airlines Chairman Dang Ngoc Hoa said that the Hanoi-Milan route is a strategic highlight in the airline’s 2025 international expansion plan. It is expected to play a key role in helping Vietnam reach its goal of welcoming 22 to 24 million international visitors.
In 2024, Vietnam welcomed nearly 89,000 tourists from Italy, up 56% on year.
