Vietnam Airlines marked a major milestone in its 30-year history today by welcoming its 350 millionth passenger at a ceremony held at Phu Bai International Airport in Hue City. The event was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the People’s Committee of Hue City, and Phu Bai International Airport.

The milestone passenger arrived on flight VN1541 from Hanoi to Hue, which landed at 9:00 AM on July 9. The arrival coincided with the 65th anniversary of Vietnam’s tourism industry and the celebration of National Tourism Year 2025. The aircraft was honored with a water cannon salute, a traditional aviation gesture reserved for special occasions.

On this special flight, Vietnam Airlines proudly showcases its uniforms through the years, celebrating the rich heritage and evolution of Vietnamese culture

The 350 millionth passenger was presented with a Platinum Lotusmiles membership card, two round-trip domestic Business Class tickets, and gifts. In addition, ten other passengers — numbered from 349,999,995 to 350,000,005 — received round-trip domestic Economy Class tickets. All passengers on the flight were given Vietnam Airlines-branded souvenirs inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Hue, offering a warm and memorable welcome to the former imperial capital.

This event is one of several activities celebrating the 30th anniversary of Vietnam Airlines, founded in 1995. It underscores the airline’s vital role in connecting regions and driving trade and tourism both within Vietnam and on the global stage.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Le Hong Ha, President and CEO of Vietnam Airlines, said: “Reaching 350 million passengers is far more than a number — it marks a defining moment in the journey of Vietnam Airlines. It reflects the trust of millions of travelers and the countless stories, reunions, and aspirations we have helped carry over the years. Vietnam Airlines is more than just a transportation provider. We carry with us the cultural identity, hopes, and aspirations of the Vietnamese people. Every journey is an invitation for the world to discover the beauty, heritage, and spirit of our nation.”

As part of the celebration, Vietnam Airlines, together with the People’s Committee of Hue City, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, and the Hue Department of Tourism, launched a campaign titled “Magical Nights in Hue – Discover to Love.” The program offers domestic and international travelers arriving on Vietnam Airlines night flights special incentives, including discounts of up to 80 percent on accommodations or a complimentary first night at select partner hotels. The campaign is designed to stimulate tourism demand and improve the travel experience in Hue.

The 350 millionth passenger boards flight VN1541 from Hanoi to Hue

Over the past three decades, Vietnam Airlines has recorded significant achievements. The airline has operated 1.2 million round-trip flights, covering more than 3.04 billion kilometers — the equivalent of circling the Earth 76,000 times. It has transported 350 million passengers, achieving an average annual growth rate of 19 percent, and carried 4.7 million tons of cargo, with cargo volume growing 8 percent annually. The Lotusmiles loyalty program has expanded to 7 million members, underscoring strong customer engagement. Since its founding, the airline has generated VND 1.29 quadrillion in revenue and contributed more than VND 67,955 trillion to the state budget.

Vietnam Airlines has grown from a domestic carrier into a global airline, with a fleet now four times larger than when it began. As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, it offers connections to over 1,000 destinations worldwide, spanning Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline has made a strong recovery, launching new international routes to Melbourne, Perth, Munich, and Milan. A new route to Copenhagen is also set to open this December.

Looking ahead, Vietnam Airlines remains focused on expanding its global network, enhancing service quality, and driving sustainable growth through digital innovation and green initiatives. The airline continues to affirm its role as a leading international carrier, proudly representing the Vietnamese identity on the global aviation stage.