Direct flights from Hanoi to Milan and the boost to European tourism

Vietnam Airlines will officially launch a direct flight route from Hanoi to Milan starting on 01/07/2025, marking the first-ever non-stop air connection between Vietnam and Italy. The service will operate three round-trip flights per week on wide-body Boeing 787 aircraft, reflecting a significant development in Vietnam Airlines’ international expansion strategy and a long-term vision to establish bilateral tourism corridors with key European markets. The airline also plans to open a direct route from Ho Chi Minh City to Milan at a suitable time, depending on market demand and operational efficiency.

The inauguration of the Hanoi – Milan direct flight is not merely an addition to the air transport network but a strategic move as global tourism continues its robust recovery. According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, in 2024, Vietnam welcomed approximately 17.6 million international arrivals, a 39.5% increase from 2023. In the first four months of 2025 alone, the country recorded 7.67 million international visitors, up 23.8% year-on-year. Notably, the number of Italian visitors to Vietnam saw a remarkable surge of 155% in 2024, signaling strong and growing interest from the Italian market in Vietnam for leisure, business, and cultural exchange.

The direct Hanoi – Milan route is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two countries, providing a more convenient alternative to transits through Frankfurt, Paris, or Doha. This not only saves time but also enhances the travel experience, particularly in a time when tourists are increasingly seeking short, cost-effective, and flexible itineraries. As reported by platforms like Skyscanner, round-trip fares during the initial promotional phase in July 2025 are estimated to range between 536 and 560 USD if booked early. The pricing is considered competitive in the non-stop international segment and reflects a prudent yet proactive market entry strategy.

From a strategic perspective, establishing a direct air connection to Milan serves as a vital bridge between Southeast Asia and Southern Europe. Milan is Italy’s leading economic, cultural, and fashion hub, as well as a transport gateway for further travel to other iconic destinations such as Venice, Florence, Rome, and the northern Alps. Conversely, Vietnam offers a diverse portfolio of culturally rich and naturally beautiful destinations like Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City—perfectly aligned with the experiential preferences of European travelers. This direct route is expected to facilitate a robust two-way tourism flow, granting both countries improved access to each other’s markets.

The operation of the new flight also allows travel agencies to craft high-quality, personalized travel packages tailored to different traveler segments. For Italian travelers, themed journeys such as heritage exploration, culinary discovery, and coastal resort getaways are gaining attention. On the other hand, Vietnamese travelers can now approach European tours with reduced layovers, lower visa transit costs, and shorter travel durations. This also creates room for local tour operators to negotiate better deals with partners, develop direct sales channels, and enhance customer service quality.

In terms of traveler behavior, market analytics and booking platforms indicate a fast-growing number of Vietnamese tourists to Italy, particularly among the 25–40 age group. These travelers tend to combine leisure with shopping, and Milan—with its global fashion brands, artistic events, and dynamic public spaces—proves to be an ideal destination for this demographic. Meanwhile, Italian tourists visiting Vietnam are more inclined toward local experiences, from traditional food and handicraft villages to UNESCO-listed heritage sites and tropical landscapes, which are abundant in Quang Ninh, Quang Binh, Hue, and Da Nang.

The announcement of the Hanoi – Milan direct route during the 2025 BIT International Tourism Fair in Milan further underscores Vietnam’s growing presence on the global tourism map. At the event, Vietnam’s tourism authorities carried out a series of promotional campaigns, business meetings, and investment agreements, in coordination with local governments and the private sector. Launching the flight simultaneously with such an event not only amplifies promotional effectiveness but also reinforces Vietnam’s commitment to maintaining stable international air connectivity for travelers and partners alike.

Another critical aspect is the economic ripple effect across multiple industries such as transportation, hospitality, food and beverage, and commercial services. According to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam, total tourism revenue in the first quarter of 2025 reached about 21.5 trillion VND, marking an 18.3% year-on-year growth. International tourism continues to account for an increasing share of this figure, especially in cities with international airports such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Nha Trang. Expanding direct routes like Hanoi – Milan is expected to further boost the tourism ecosystem and contribute to domestic consumption and inter-sectoral development.

With a focus on sustainable and professional growth, the Hanoi – Milan route not only broadens travel options for residents of both countries but also plays a crucial role in elevating Vietnam’s tourism competitiveness on both regional and global levels. Travel companies, accommodation providers, and policymakers are encouraged to work together in creating suitable tourism chains, maintaining service quality, and optimizing costs for tourists. In the future, this model may serve as a blueprint for opening routes to other promising European destinations such as Barcelona, Zurich, Vienna, or Amsterdam, gradually shaping Vietnam’s international connectivity into a more streamlined and effective network.

The launch of this direct flight stands as a clear testament to Vietnam’s deepening integration into the global tourism landscape. As airlines evolve beyond transport providers to become connectors of cultures, economic ecosystems, and modern lifestyles, each newly inaugurated route represents more than logistics—it symbolizes a country’s strategic vision. With international travel rebounding strongly, now is the ideal moment for Vietnam to accelerate its efforts to expand its global reach, thereby reinforcing the national tourism brand in the decade ahead.