Vietnam Airlines opens first direct flight connecting Hanoi

*The inaugural flight of the HAN-CEB direct route was welcomed with a water cannon ceremony. Photo: VNA*

Flight VN643 with nearly 100 passengers, operated by Airbus A321, departed from Noi Bai International Airport at 10:50 p.m. on December 2 and landed at Cebu International Airport at 3:30 a.m. (local time) on December 3. On the occasion of the opening of the new route, Vietnam Airlines organized celebratory activities at both airports and presented souvenirs to passengers on the first flight.

The Hanoi – Cebu route is the first direct flight of Vietnam Airlines connecting the capital Hanoi with the famous tourist city of the Philippines. Cebu is known as the “heart of the Central Philippines”, a place with pristine island beauty, unique cultural attractions and diverse tourist experiences from resorts, sea sports to nature exploration.

1 The entire crew of the first flight departing from Hanoi to Cebu — *The entire crew of the first flight departing from Hanoi to Cebu. Photo VNA*

According to the plan, Hanoi - Cebu flights will depart on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. In the opposite direction, Cebu - Hanoi flights will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. With only three hours of direct flight from Hanoi, Vietnam Airlines helps passengers significantly shorten the journey to Cebu and is much more convenient than before.

The opening of the new route not only creates more favorable conditions for Vietnamese tourists to access one of the most famous island paradises in the region, but also gives passengers from the Philippines the opportunity to explore Hanoi, a destination rich in identity with four distinct seasons, exquisite cuisine and convenient connections to famous destinations such as Ha Long, Ninh Binh, and Sapa.

5 The first foreign guests on the inaugural flight of the direct flight HAN - CEB — *The first foreign passengers on the inaugural flight of the HAN - CEB direct route. Photo: VNA*

Mr. Dang Anh Tuan, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines said: “The Hanoi - Cebu direct route is not only a new route but also the next step in the journey to expand the exchange space between Vietnam and the region. Vietnam Airlines considers each new route a bridge to strengthen regional connectivity. We are committed to continuing to develop quality, safe and efficient routes, contributing to promoting tourism and economic exchange between the two countries.”

6 Vietnam Airlines gives souvenirs to passengers on the first flight — *Vietnam Airlines gives souvenirs to passengers on the first flight. Photo: VNA*

The opening of a direct flight between Hanoi and Cebu is part of Vietnam Airlines' strategy to develop its international flight network, especially in Southeast Asia, a potential market with impressive tourism growth. Vietnam Airlines believes that the new route will contribute to promoting tourism, trade and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and the Philippines, making a positive contribution to the overall development of the aviation and tourism industry in the region.

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/vietnam-airlines-khai-truong-duong-bay-thang-dau-tien-ket-noi-ha-noi-cebu-10399321.html