Vietnam Airlines has launched its first direct flight connecting Hanoi and Milan, making it the first carrier to operate nonstop flights between the Vietnam and Italy.
With this new route, the airline now operates 10 direct connections to Europe, strengthening its position 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 comprised a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the start of the new service.
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Flight VN73 departed Hanoi at 00:45 on 1 July with 155 passengers on board and landed in Milan at 7:40 local time. Later that day, the return flight, VN72, departed Milan at 12:45 and arrived at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport at 4:35 local time on 2 July, completing the inaugural round-trip of this connection.
Vietnam Airlines is operating its new Hanoi–Milan route using Boeing 787 Dreamliner wide-body aircraft, with three round-trip flights per week (Tuesday, Friday and Saturday). 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 hub, providing passengers with access to destinations across the continent.
Vietnam Airlines and Saudia Codeshare
Beyond the above, Vietnam Airlines also announced a new codeshare partnership with Saudia. This collaboration between two SkyTeam alliance members will offer customers expanded travel options and a more seamless journey, including frequent flyer program benefits. The codeshare agreement will facilitate travel on flights connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Jeddah and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The partnership will allow passengers to book flights through either Vietnam Airlines or Saudia for itineraries that include segments operated by the other carrier, simplifying the travel process.
Both of these updates provide additional ways for Australians to get to Southern Europe and the Middle East via Vietnam.
