New charter flights boost Russian tourism to Khanh Hoa

A new charter flight route has been launched connecting Russia and the south-central province of Khanh Hoa, marking a positive signal for the local tourism sector.

Flight EO3661 operated by IKAR Airlines landed at Cam Ranh International Airport on Friday, carrying 350 Russian tourists from Novy International Airport in Russia.

This marks the first charter flight organized by Pegas Misr Vietnam Travel Co., Ltd. to bring Russian tourists back to Khanh Hoa after a long pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

To welcome the flight, the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism coordinated with relevant units to hold a water salute ceremony and presented flowers and souvenirs to arriving guests. The reception also included a performance of traditional Vietnamese music.

According to Pegas Misr Vietnam, the initial plan includes seven monthly flights from Russia to Cam Ranh, expected to bring around 2,500 tourists.

These flights will depart from various Russian cities, including Yekaterinburg (Koltsovo Airport), Saint Petersburg (Pulkovo), and Krasnoyarsk (Yemelyanovo).

Preliminary surveys show that Russian tourists tend to stay in Khanh Hoa's Nha Trang town for 10 to 12 days, with some staying up to a month at three- to five-star hotels and resorts.

Popular destinations include Hon Chong, Ponagar tower, local night markets, Nha Phu lagoon, Monkey island, Hoa Lan stream, diving spots, Nha Trang Bay cruises, and VinWonders amusement park.

In mid-March, charter flights from 11 Russian cities to Cam Ranh resumed, including Moscow, Vladivostok, Barnaul, and Irkutsk. The frequency is expected to increase from 12 flights per month in March 2025 to 50-55 in April-June, and up to 90-100 by July.

Vice Chairman of the Khanh Hoa People’s Committee Tran Hoa Nam noted that the province welcomed over 460,000 Russian visitors in 2019, before the pandemic.

Due to Covid-19 and geopolitical challenges, the number significantly declined, though in 2024, arrivals rebounded to about 105,000, more than double the previous year but still only 22.8% of 2019 levels. Many tourists had to transit through countries like Kazakhstan and China.

In the first three months of 2025 alone, more than 49,000 Russian visitors travelled to Khanh Hoa, reflecting a notable year-on-year increase.

For 2025, the province aims to welcome 11.8 million tourists, including 5.2 million international visitors, and generate tourism revenue of VND60 trillion ($2.3 billion).

The resumption of Russian charter flights is expected to make a significant contribution toward these goals.