Vietnam Airlines Launches Nonstop Service Between Hanoi and Milan

Vietnam Airlines will become the exclusive carrier offering nonstop flights between Vietnam and Italy starting July 1, 2025, with the introduction of a new route connecting Hanoi and Milan Malpensa. This service will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, utilizing Boeing 787 aircraft. The addition of this route will expand the airline’s European network to nine destinations.

Currently, Vietnam Airlines is the sole provider of nonstop flights between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to major European cities, including Frankfurt, London, and Paris. The airline is set to enhance its European presence further by launching a route to Munich in October 2024, with plans for a Ho Chi Minh City-Milan route expected after 2025.

The establishment of this new route is significant in the context of the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Vietnam and Italy, which dates back to 1973 and was elevated to a strategic partnership in 2013. As Vietnam’s largest trading partner in the ASEAN region, Italy plays a crucial role in the bilateral trade relationship, ranking as Vietnam’s fourth-largest trading partner in the European Union.

The new Hanoi-Milan route is anticipated to boost tourism in both directions. In 2023, Vietnam welcomed approximately 81,000 Italian tourists, nearing pre-COVID levels. Additionally, there was a 32% increase in Italian visitors during the early months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019. Meanwhile, Milan reported 37,800 passengers traveling from the city to Vietnam in 2023, marking a 1.4% increase from 2019, with the first quarter of 2024 witnessing a remarkable 24% rise in departures.

“The Hanoi-Milan service will not only cater to travelers from Italy but also attract passengers from other European countries,” stated a representative from Vietnam Airlines, a member of the SkyTeam alliance. The airline aims to enhance connectivity and provide greater travel options for passengers across Europe and beyond.

This new route launch reflects Vietnam Airlines’ commitment to expanding its global network and offering increased flexibility for travelers. More importantly, it aims to strengthen economic, social, and political ties between Vietnam and Italy, while also enhancing relations between Vietnam and Europe.

As travel demand continues to recover, Vietnam Airlines is positioned to play a vital role in connecting these two nations and facilitating cultural exchange. The airline’s strategic expansion into Milan aligns with its goal of fostering closer ties between Vietnam and key European markets, ultimately contributing to economic growth and increased tourism.

With the addition of the Hanoi-Milan route, travelers will have a direct link between Vietnam and Italy, providing easier access for business and leisure travelers alike. This service is expected to be a significant asset for both Vietnamese and Italian nationals, as well as expatriates living in Europe, further promoting connectivity between the two regions.