HANOI— Vietnam Airlines (VN) has inaugurated a new nonstop service between Hanoi and Milan. The airline said that this marks a major milestone in the flag carrier’s international expansion. The new route will offer a non-stop connection between Vietnam and Italy.
Italy has a growing demand for direct, long-haul travel between Southeast Asia and Europe. This is the first time any airline has operated nonstop flights between the two countries.
The three-weekly service—operated on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays—uses the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Each flight is scheduled to take around 12 hours, significantly reducing travel time compared to one-stop alternatives.
The First Passengers to Inaugurate the Hanoi–Milan Nonstop Route | Photo: Vietnam AirlinesVietnam Airlines Hanoi to Milan Flight
The inaugural flight, VN73, departed from Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport at 00:45 on July 1. The flight landed at Milan Malpensa Airport at 07:40 local time.
A formal welcoming ceremony was held at Milan Airport to celebrate the historic arrival. The event featured a ribbon-cutting, welcome speeches, and a cultural display symbolizing the strengthening ties between Vietnam and Italy.
Vietnam Airlines Launches Nonstop Service from Hanoi to Milan | Photo: Vietnam AirlinesAttendees included Vietnamese Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, officials from the Lombardy regional government, and senior airport executives.
The return flight, VN72, departed Milan the same afternoon and arrived back in Hanoi on July 2. The airline completed the first-ever round-trip on the route.
Vietnam Airlines emphasized the symbolic and practical importance of the launch. Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of Vietnam Airlines’ Board of Directors, said:
“This is more than a new flight—it’s a bridge between two countries with deep cultural and economic links.”
Photo: Vietnam AirlinesStrengthening Vietnam–Italy Ties
The route’s launch is expected to boost travel, tourism, and trade between the two countries. In 2024, Italy was among Vietnam’s top 10 fastest-growing inbound markets. Arrivals grew by 155% of 2023 levels. The nonstop Hanoi–Milan flight enhances passenger convenience by eliminating transit stops.
The flight will help attract more Italian tourists to Vietnam’s cultural landmarks like Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Da Nang. Milan opens access to the broader Southwestern European region for Vietnamese travelers. This includes connections to cities like Florence, Venice, and Rome.
Milan is Italy’s second-largest economic hub, which also makes it a key business destination. Milan appears to be a perfect choice for Vietnam Airlines, which has demand for both tourism and commercial travel.
Route and Aircraft Details
Passengers on the Inaugural Hanoi–Milan Flight Check In at the Airport | Photo: Vietnam AirlinesVietnam Airlines is deploying the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for this route. Passengers will have the option of both business and economy class cabins.
The flights are scheduled as follows:
- Flight VN73 departs Hanoi at 00:45 am and arrives in Milan at 07:40 am local time.
- The return flight VN72 departs Milan at 12:45 pm and arrives in Hanoi at 04:35 am local time the following day.
Milan becomes Vietnam Airlines’ 10th direct destination in Europe, joining major cities like London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Moscow. The airline’s European expansion goal is to attract 22 to 23 million international visitors to Vietnam annually in 2025.
These nonstop routes offer a competitive edge, particularly as more travelers prioritize convenience and shorter travel times.
Photo: Vietnam AirlinesCodeshare with Saudia
In another development, Vietnam Airlines has also signed a codeshare agreement with Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia. The new partnership was announced on July 2nd.
The agreement allows passengers to book connecting flights between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia through either airline. The new partnership will expand access to cities such as Jeddah, Riyadh, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City.
As members of the SkyTeam alliance, the two carriers will offer coordinated schedules, share frequent flyer benefits, and streamline booking experiences. This move aims to strengthen connectivity between Southeast Asia and the Middle East, an increasingly important market for both business and religious travel.
Photo: Clément AlloingBottom Line
The launch of nonstop flights between Hanoi and Milan gives Vietnam Airlines a foothold in one of Europe’s most economically influential regions. It improves direct access for both business and leisure travelers between Vietnam and Northern Italy.
This cuts out hours of layovers via Frankfurt or Paris. Further, with the Saudia codeshare, Vietnam Airlines is methodically filling key gaps in its long-haul network, especially in the Middle East.
As demand for long-haul travel continues to grow, these new links will play a vital role in supporting tourism, trade, and diplomatic ties.
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