Vietnam Airlines Launches Nonstop Flights to Milan

Vietnam Airlines will soon be the first and only airline in Vietnam to offer nonstop flights to Italy. Starting from July 1, 2025, the airline will operate three-weekly flights between Hanoi and Milan, on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. These flights will be conducted using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. With the addition of this new route, Vietnam Airlines will boast nine European routes in total, and it has also outlined future plans to introduce a Ho Chi Minh City to Milan route after 2025.

Expanding European Presence

As Vietnam’s national flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines is currently the only airline connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to key European cities such as Paris, Frankfurt, and London. This October, Munich will join the list as the most recent European destination to be added to the carrier’s network, further expanding its European footprint.

Strengthening Vietnam-Italy Relations

Vietnam and Italy share a long history of diplomatic relations, having established ties in 1973, and upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2013. Italy is Vietnam’s largest trading partner within the ASEAN region, while Vietnam ranks as Italy’s fourth-largest trading partner in the EU. Over the years, bilateral trade between the two countries has shown consistent growth, reflecting the strong economic ties between the two nations.

Italy: A Growing Market for Vietnam’s Aviation Sector

Italy has emerged as a significant market for Vietnam’s aviation sector. In 2023, Vietnam welcomed 81,000 tourists from Italy, representing about 89 percent of pre-COVID levels. The first quarter of 2024 saw a 32 percent increase in Italian visitors compared to the same period in 2019, indicating a growing interest in Vietnam as a travel destination for Italian tourists.

Milan, Italy’s second-largest city, is not only a major cultural and fashion hub but also a growing travel market for Vietnam. In 2023, 37,800 passengers traveled from Milan to Vietnam, marking a 1.4 percent increase compared to 2019. The first quarter of 2024 saw a further rise, with a 24 percent increase in passengers compared to the same period in 2019.

Strengthening Connectivity Between Europe and Vietnam

The new Hanoi to Milan service will cater not only to Italian travelers but also to passengers from other European countries. This move reflects Vietnam Airlines’ commitment to expanding its global reach, offering greater flexibility for travelers. Moreover, the new route is expected to strengthen the economic, social, and political ties between Vietnam and Italy, as well as foster deeper connections between Vietnam, Europe, and beyond.

Conclusion

The launch of nonstop flights between Hanoi and Milan marks a significant milestone for Vietnam Airlines as it continues to expand its global network. This new route not only enhances travel options for passengers but also reinforces the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Italy. With growing demand for air travel between these regions, Vietnam Airlines is set to play a key role in facilitating greater connectivity and fostering stronger ties between Vietnam and Europe.