Starting July 1, the national flag carrier will become the first Vietnamese airline to operate direct flights from Hanoi to Milan, a major fashion and economic hub in Europe. The route will run three round trips per week, with each leg taking nearly 12 hours.

This will raise the total number of direct air routes operated by Vietnam Airlines to Europe to nine, thereby further expanding its international network.

At the launching event, Alessandra Priante, president of the Italian Government Tourist Board (ENIT), welcomed the new route, highlighting the cultural and tourism potential between the two countries. She expressed confidence in stronger, more sustainable tourism cooperation.

Vietnam Airlines Deputy General Director Dinh Van Tuan said the route would help shorten travel time and create favorable conditions for tourists to explore the natural and cultural landscapes of both nations.

Vietnam targets 22–23 million international visitors in 2025, with Italy expected to be a key market thanks to its tourism appeal and Vietnam’s visa exemption policy.

Previously, Vietnamese travelers had to transit in cities like Paris, Frankfurt or Doha to reach Italy. The new service offers direct access to Italian destinations such as Rome, Florence, and Venice. In return, Italian tourists will be able to discover Vietnam’s iconic attractions, including Hanoi, Ha Long, Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnamese tourism promoted at Milan int'l travel fair

For the first time, Vietnam has participated in the International Tourism Exchange (BIT) Milan – Italy’s largest and most prestigious travel fair, seeking to advertise its image and tourism products while fostering tourism cooperation with the European nation.