Vietnam Airlines to launch direct Hanoi–Milan flights in July

THE HANOI TIMES — National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines announced the launch of its new non-stop flight between Hanoi and Milan at the Vietnam-Europe Tourism Promotion Event at the Salone Dei Tessuti in Milan, a move seen as an important milestone in the strengthening of tourism, cultural exchange, and business relations between Vietnam and Italy.

The new route, which will be launched on July 1, 2025, will make Vietnam Airlines the first Vietnamese carrier to offer direct flights between Hanoi and Milan. The airline will operate three round-trip flights per week on Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with each flight lasting approximately 12 hours.

With this addition, Vietnam Airlines' European network will expand to nine direct routes, providing greater connectivity and convenience for travelers between Vietnam and Europe.

The Vietnam-Europe Tourism Promotion is an annual event aimed at strengthening tourism, trade, and investment partnerships between Vietnam and European countries, while promoting Vietnam as an attractive and dynamic destination for European visitors.

During the event, representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy in Italy, the Italian Government Tourist Board (ENIT), and the Lombardy Regional Government reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral partnerships in tourism and trade.

Key Vietnamese organizations, including the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, the Hanoi Municipal Department of Tourism, Vietnam Airlines, and Saigontourist Group, showcased new tourism products, highlighted updates to Vietnam's visa policy and shared strategic initiatives to enhance cooperation with European partners.

Speaking at the event,  Alessandra Priante, President of the Italian Government Tourist Board, said: "The launch of this non-stop service is a significant step forward in promoting bilateral tourism between Italy and Vietnam. Both countries have a vibrant cultural heritage and distinctive travel experiences that appeal to a global audience. With continued collaboration between airlines, industry leaders, and tourism authorities, we are confident in fostering a dynamic and sustainable partnership in the tourism sector."

According to Dinh Van Tuan, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines, the upcoming non-stop Hanoi-Milan service will significantly shorten travel time and provide a seamless connection for travelers who want to experience the rich cultural and scenic offerings of both Vietnam and Italy. "As we strive to reach our goal of welcoming 22-23 million international visitors in 2025, we see Italy - with its strong tourism appeal and supportive visa policies - as a key partner in this effort."

Previously, travelers between Vietnam and Italy often faced long layovers in Paris or Doha en route to Milan. The direct flight offers faster access to Italy's major places such as Rome, Florence, and Venice. In turn, Italian tourists can fly directly to Hanoi, Ha Long Bay to Hoi An, Hue, Danang, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam's most iconic and culturally rich destinations.

More than just a new route, this launch - coincide with the Vietnam-Europe Tourism Promotion - is expected to mark a significant step in deepening bilateral relations and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and Italy.