Vietnam officially resumes flights to Russia after 3-year interruption

Vietnam's national airline Vietnam Airlines has just officially resumed direct flights connecting Hanoi with Moscow (Russian Federation) after a 3-year suspension.

Flight VN63 with 254 passengers, reaching a 100% occupancy rate, departed at 9:45 a.m. from Noi Bai International Airport and landed at Sheremetyevo International Airport, Moscow, Russia at 3:40 p.m. local time yesterday (May 8).

Vietnam Airlines officially resumes direct flights to Russia

A representative of Vietnam Airlines said that the airline will operate the Hanoi - Moscow route with a frequency of 2 flights per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. From July 2026, the airline plans to increase the frequency to 3 flights per week to meet the travel needs of people between the two countries.

Flights are operated by modern Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner wide-body aircraft with 4-star service according to Skytrax standards, ensuring a comfortable experience for passengers on the nearly 9-hour journey.

Flight number VN63 with 254 passengers, reaching 100% occupancy rate

Speaking at the event, Vietnam Airlines General Director Le Hong Ha emphasized: “The restoration of direct flights between the two capitals of Hanoi and Moscow opens the door for trade and exchange between Vietnam and the Russian Federation via air, while also contributing to strengthening the trust bridge between the two countries. This is not only a geographical connection, but also a symbol of the strong and increasingly growing cooperative relationship between the two countries.”

On this occasion, all passengers on the inaugural flight received a special souvenir from the national airline.

Russia has long been one of Vietnam's key tourism markets. According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, in 2024, the tourism industry welcomed more than 232,000 Russian visitors, an increase of 84.9% compared to 2023. In the first 4 months of the year alone, the Russian market grew by 110.9%, making it the largest tourist market in Europe with more than 166,000 visitors to Vietnam, regaining its position as before the pandemic.

For Russian tourists, the Hanoi - Moscow route is a convenient bridge to experience the natural beauty and rich culture of Vietnam. At the same time, Russian tourists can continue to explore Southeast Asia from Hanoi. Meanwhile, Vietnamese tourists always consider Moscow a particularly attractive destination and a convenient gateway to Europe or Central Asia.

Restoring direct flights between the two capitals Hanoi and Moscow opens the door to trade between the two countries.

Vietnam Airlines leaders also assessed that Vietnam's 45-day visa exemption policy for Russian citizens and the mechanism for Vietnamese citizens to apply for a Russian e-visa within just 4 days also facilitate two-way tourism. These factors, combined with direct flights connecting the capitals of the two countries, are expected to boost passenger numbers strongly in 2025.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/viet-nam-chinh-thuc-noi-lai-duong-bay-voi-nga-sau-3-nam-gian-doan-185250509094916518.htm