Vietnam Airlines resumes direct Hanoi-Moscow service

Flight VN063 departed Hanoi at 10:45 and landed at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow at 15:40 (local time), where it was welcomed with a traditional water salute.

The service resumption will enable favourable travel for passengers. Photo: Vietnam Airlines

The route will initially operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with plans to increase to three flights per week by July 2026 in response to growing demand. Flights will be operated by the state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, ensuring an exceptional experience for passengers on the nearly nine-hour journey.

Speaking at the event, Le Hong Ha, president and CEO of Vietnam Airlines, said, “The relaunch of direct flights between Hanoi and Moscow will significantly strengthen air connectivity between Vietnam and Russia. More than just linking two destinations, these flights serve as ‘ambassadors’, promoting deeper cooperation and understanding as we enter a new chapter in our bilateral relationship.”

Russia remains one of Vietnam’s key tourism markets. According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, Vietnam welcomed over 232,000 Russian visitors in 2024, representing an 85 per cent increase over 2023. In the first two months of 2025 alone, 80,000 Russian tourists arrived in Vietnam, a 204 per cent surge compared to the same period last year. In 2019, Russia ranked as Vietnam’s top European source market for tourism.

For Russian travellers, the Hanoi-Moscow route offers a direct gateway to Vietnam’s captivating natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, as well as convenient onward connections to other Southeast Asian destinations. Likewise, the route provides Vietnamese passengers with greater access to Moscow and beyond, including Europe and Central Asia.

The relaunch of this route will boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, continuing a legacy that began in 1993 when Vietnam Airlines first launched a service to Russia.

Photo: Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam’s 45-day visa exemption for Russian citizens (valid through March 14, 2028) and the simplified e-visa process for Vietnamese citizens, with approvals in just four days, are expected to boost travel between the two countries. Combined with the resumed direct service, these policies are set to drive strong growth in visitor numbers in 2025.

In celebration of its 30th anniversary (1995–2025), Vietnam Airlines is reaffirming its mission of “soaring with the nation” by expanding and restoring 15 international routes, including new connections to Italy, India, and the UAE. These efforts strengthen global connectivity, elevate Vietnam’s presence on the world stage, and support the country’s momentum in this era of national advancement.

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