With this new route, the airline now operates 10 direct connections to Europe, strengthening its position as a key player in transcontinental travel and deepening Vietnam’s air links with the region.

The launch ceremony took place at Milan Malpensa Airport and was attended by H.E. Vo Thi Anh Xuan, Vice President of Vietnam, along with representatives from the Lombardy regional government and airport leadership. The event featured a formal ribbon-cutting to celebrate the start of the new service.

Flight VN73 departed Hanoi at 00:45 on July 1 with 155 passengers on board and landed safely in Milan at 07:40 local time. Upon arrival, a ceremonial welcome and ribbon-cutting were held in collaboration with local partners, officially marking the launch of the route.

Later that day, the return flight VN72 departed Milan at 12:45 and arrived at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport at 04:35 local time on July 2, completing the inaugural round trip of this connection.

Vietnam Airlines is operating its new Hanoi–Milan route using Boeing 787 wide-body aircraft, with three round-trip flights per week on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Each flight takes approximately 12 hours. Milan, Italy’s second-largest economic center, is also a key gateway to Southwestern Europe. As part of the airline’s growing international network, Milan will serve as a strategic hub, providing passengers with convenient access to major destinations across the continent.

This new route is expected to boost two-way travel between Vietnam and Italy, while reinforcing Vietnam Airlines’ presence on the Europe–Vietnam corridor. According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, Italy was one of the top 10 fastest-growing inbound markets in 2024, with visitor arrivals rising to 155% of the 2023 total.

By eliminating the need for layovers in another country, the nonstop service delivers a more seamless travel experience and is set to drive strong growth in Italian arrivals to Vietnam in the years ahead.

Mr. Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines, stated: “The Hanoi–Milan route doesn’t just shorten the distance between our two nations—it creates new momentum for tourism, business, and cultural exchange. Italy is one of Europe’s most promising markets, and this route is a key part of our strategy to help Vietnam reach its goal of 22 to 23 million international visitors by 2025.”

With this new connection, Vietnamese travelers can easily reach iconic Italian cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice—home to some of the world’s most treasured cultural heritage. Meanwhile, Italian tourists can explore Vietnam’s renowned destinations, from Hanoi and Ha Long Bay to Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

More than a transportation link, the Hanoi–Milan service represents Vietnam Airlines’ mission to help expand the country’s cultural reach and international presence. Each flight is a step toward bringing Vietnam closer to the world.

As global integration deepens, Vietnam Airlines continues to grow its international network—embodying a modern, dynamic Vietnam that connects with the world through sustainable, forward-looking air travel.