Hanoi: National-flag carrier Vietnam Airlines officially launched its first direct flight connecting Hanoi and Milan in Italy on July 1, marking a historic milestone in the airline’s international expansion strategy, and bringing the total number of its direct routes to Europe to nine. The inaugural ceremony at Milan Malpensa Airport was held with the attendance of Vice State President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, representatives from the Lombardy regional government, and airport executives. The Hanoi-Milan route will operate three round-trip flights per week on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, using wide-body Boeing 787 aircraft. Each leg of the journey takes approximately 12 hours.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the introduction of this new route is expected to enhance connectivity between Vietnam and Italy, facilitating increased tourism and trade between the two countries. The new service represents a significant step in Vietnam Airlines’ efforts to expand its global footprint and improve accessibility for passengers traveling to and from Europe.