Vietnam Airlines is poised to make aviation history as the first carrier offering direct flights to Italy from Vietnam, with a new Milan service planned.
Starting July 1, 2025, the airline will operate thrice-weekly flights between Hanoi and Milan using Boeing 787 Dreamliners. This addition will expand their European network to nine routes, with plans to launch a Ho Chi Minh City-Milan connection after 2025.
A Growing European Presence
As Vietnam’s national airline, it exclusively provides nonstop services from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Paris, Frankfurt, and London. Munich will join this list in October, further strengthening the carrier’s European presence.
Vietnam Airlines, established in 1956, has grown into a modern, four-star rated airline with a young fleet of over 100 aircraft.
The carrier has been a member of the SkyTeam alliance since 2010, offering passengers access to an extensive global network.
Known for its commitment to safety and service quality, Vietnam Airlines has consistently ranked among the top airlines in Asia. The airline’s expansion into new European markets like Milan reflects its ambitious growth strategy and dedication to connecting Vietnam with key global destinations.
The Vietnam-Italy Connection
Vietnam and Italy’s relationship, established in 1973 and elevated to a strategic partnership in 2013, has flourished. Italy ranks as Vietnam’s fourth-largest EU trading partner, while Vietnam leads as Italy’s primary ASEAN trade ally. Their bilateral trade continues to grow steadily.
Italy’s importance in Vietnam’s aviation market is rising. In 2023, Vietnam hosted 81,000 Italian tourists, reaching 89% of pre-pandemic levels.
The first quarter of 2024 saw a 32% increase in Italian visitors compared to 2019, highlighting Italy’s appeal to Vietnamese travelers.
Rising Popularity of Milan
Milan, Italy’s fashion capital and second-largest city, is gaining popularity among Vietnamese tourists. In 2023, 37,800 passengers flew from Milan to Vietnam, surpassing 2019 figures by 1.4%. The first quarter of 2024 witnessed a 24% growth compared to the same period in 2019.
The new Hanoi-Milan route aims to serve not only Italian travelers but also passengers from other European countries.
This expansion demonstrates Vietnam Airlines’ commitment to enhancing its global reach, providing more options for travelers. It further strengthens economic, social, and political ties between Vietnam, Italy, and the broader European region.
By bridging these two vibrant cultures, Vietnam Airlines is set to play a crucial role in fostering international relations and tourism growth between Asia and Europe.
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