Vietnam Airlines Relaunches Hanoi–Moscow Service
Vietnam Airlines has restored direct flights between Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport and Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport after a three-year hiatus. Service resumed on May 8, 2025, with inaugural flight VN 63 operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at full 100 percent passenger capacity. The nine-hour nonstop link initially runs twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays and will expand to three weekly rotations by July 2026.
The relaunch underscores Russia’s importance as a source market for Vietnam’s tourism industry. In 2024, more than 220,000 passengers traveled between the two countries—a 2.3-fold increase over the previous year—despite lingering pandemic-era restrictions that forced carriers to suspend many international routes. With Moscow now directly accessible once again, Vietnam Airlines aims to capitalize on strong leisure and business demand.
Two days after the Moscow service restarted, Vietnam Airlines signed a memorandum of understanding with Russia’s state-owned VTB Bank to deepen ties. Under the agreement, both parties will explore cultural exchange programs, joint tourism support initiatives and additional cooperation opportunities. The MoU reflects a broader strategy to foster closer air connectivity alongside financial and cultural partnerships.
Moscow is just one of four international routes Vietnam Airlines has brought back in May 2025. On May 1, the carrier resumed flights from Hanoi to Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport, followed on May 8 by the return of service to Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. Later in the month, on May 31, flights between Cam Ranh International Airport and Busan’s Gimhae International Airport will also restart, restoring vital links across Asia.
Each of these routes is served by Vietnam Airlines’ modern Dreamliner fleet. The 787-9’s cabin offers enhanced comfort, reduced noise levels and improved fuel efficiency compared with previous-generation jets. By deploying the Dreamliner, Vietnam Airlines can match growing passenger expectations for in-flight amenities while optimizing operational performance on long-haul and medium-haul sectors.
The relaunch of services to Moscow comes as Vietnam Airlines accelerates its post-pandemic network rebuild. Prior to COVID-19, the carrier operated a far wider array of routes connecting Vietnam with Europe, East Asia and India. Since 2024, the airline has steadily reinstated flights to key markets and introduced new partnerships to broaden its global reach.
Travel agents and tour operators have welcomed the Hanoi–Moscow link, noting that direct connectivity will simplify itineraries for Russian visitors exploring Vietnam’s beaches, heritage sites and vibrant cities. Similarly, Vietnamese nationals working or studying in Russia will benefit from the convenience of nonstop schedules, eliminating lengthy connections through third-country hubs.
Looking ahead, Vietnam Airlines is expected to adjust frequency and capacity in line with seasonal demand, adding extra flights during summer and winter peaks. By July 2026, the carrier will offer three weekly Dreamliner rotations on the Hanoi–Moscow route, matching service levels seen before the pandemic. This phased growth approach aims to align aircraft availability with market recovery.
With the return of its flagship 787-9 flights to Moscow and the reinstatement of key Asian services, Vietnam Airlines is reaffirming its commitment to reconnecting Vietnam with the world. Enhanced partnerships like the VTB Bank MoU and ongoing fleet modernization efforts signal the carrier’s ambition to strengthen its network and deliver seamless travel experiences for passengers across Eurasia.
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