Vietnam Airlines resumes non-stop Hanoi-Moscow flights
A symbolic welcome was held at Noi Bai International Airport to greet the first direct flight in three years.
THE HANOI TIMES — After a three-year interruption, national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has resumed non-stop flights between Hanoi and Moscow, restoring a route that had been in operation between Vietnam and Russia since 1993.
The route was reopened on the occasion of the State visit by Party Chief To Lam to Russia, made at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and in conjunction with his attendance at the ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War (May 9, 1945–2025).
A Russian passenger before boarding the direct flight from Hanoi to Moscow. Photos: Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines flight VN063, which took off from Hanoi at 10:45 AM on May 8 and landed at Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport at 3:40 PM local time, was greeted with a ceremonial water salute. Passengers on the inaugural flight received commemorative gifts from the airline.
Passengers check in for the Vietnam Airlines' Hanoi-Moscow flight at Noi Bai International Airport.
The route currently operates twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Vietnam Airlines plans to increase the frequency to three times a week by July 2026. The nearly nine-hour flight will be serviced by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
Ground staff assists passengers with check-in for the resumed Hanoi-Moscow flight.
"The restoration of direct flights between Hanoi and Moscow will significantly strengthen air connectivity between Vietnam and Russia. More than just connecting two destinations, these flights serve as 'ambassadors' to promote the strengthened relations," said Le Hong Ha, President and CEO of Vietnam Airlines.
Russia remains one of Vietnam's most important tourism source markets. According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, more than 232,000 Russian tourists visited Vietnam in 2024, up 85% from the previous year. The growth has continued into 2025, with over 80,000 Russian arrivals recorded in the first two months alone, an increase of 204% year-on-year. In 2019, before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia was Vietnam's top European source market.
Vietnam Airlines crew poses for a photo at the launch of the resumed Hanoi-Moscow flight.
The Hanoi-Moscow route offers Russian travelers a direct gateway to Vietnam's beaches, cultural heritage, and connections throughout Southeast Asia. Conversely, it provides Vietnamese passengers with greater access not only to Russia but also to destinations in Europe and Central Asia.
Vietnam's supportive visa policies aid these efforts. Russian citizens can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days, with the waiver valid until March 14, 2028. Meanwhile, Vietnamese travelers benefit from a simplified e-visa process for Russia, with approvals typically within four days.
Travelers line up at Noi Bai Airport for Vietnam Airlines’ direct flight to Moscow.
The reinstatement of the Hanoi-Moscow flight is part of Vietnam Airlines' efforts to expand its international connectivity. To celebrate its 30th anniversary (1995-2025), the national flag carrier is reintroducing 15 international routes and opening new destinations, including Italy, India, and the United Arab Emirates.
As global travel rebounds and Vietnam's international profile rises, the restored Hanoi-Moscow route is more than a resumption. It represents a renewed commitment to connectivity, cooperation, and shared prosperity.
