Vietnam's Party chief attends inauguration of Hanoi-Moscow direct flight

Party chief To Lam and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation attended the launching ceremony of Vietnam Airlines’ Hanoi-Moscow air route on May 9 (local time), as part of his trip to Russia for an official visit and participation in the celebration marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

The air link marks a significant stride in bolstering the two countries’ comprehensive cooperation across multiple areas, particularly economy, trade, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

In his speech, Vietnam Airlines general director Le Hong Ha stressed that beyond transportation, the new route serves as a bridge connecting the two countries’ rich cultures and symbolizing the enduring friendship between their people.

It will open new pathways for Russian travellers to explore Southeast Asia through Vietnam while facilitating Vietnamese access to Eastern Europe via Moscow, he stated.

Looking ahead, Vietnam Airlines commits to scaling up operations, considering potential new destinations, and exploring charter flights to Russia, including the Far East region.

The airline also plans to bolster cooperation with multiple travel partners to diversify its products and enhance operational efficiency, bringing the people of both countries closer together and creating new dynamics for cooperation, Ha added.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi praised the national flag carrier’s efforts to resume the direct connection between the two capitals, noting that it fulfills the desire of both sides to strengthen connectivity.

He emphasized that the route will boost trade exchange and tourism development while demonstrating long-term commitment to strengthening strategic connections between the two countries.

Vietnam Airlines is currently operating the Hanoi-Moscow route twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays using Boeing 787 wide-body aircraft, with plans to increase frequency to three flights by July 2026.

The resumption of the Hanoi-Moscow direct route represents a strategic step in Vietnam Airlines' international network expansion plan, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Vietnam Airlines Corporation (1995-2025).

This development demonstrates the airline's ongoing commitment to promoting Vietnam's image, enhancing the country's international standing, and fulfilling its mission of taking off with the nation in a new era.

On the occasion, Party chief Lam and the delegation also witnessed the exchange of tourism cooperation deals between Vietnamese firms and their Russian partners.