Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam Airlines (VNA) has launched its first direct flights connecting Ho Chi Minh City to northern Dien Bien province, strengthening air connectivity between the country’s largest economic hub and the Northwestern region.
The national carrier’s inaugural flight VN1160 departed from Tan Son Nhat International Airport at 9.35 on December 24 and arrived at Dien Bien Airport at 11.55, carrying nearly 100 passengers. The route is operated by Airbus A321 aircrafts with two flights per week and a flight time of about two hours and 20 minutes. Passengers can also connect from Dien Bien to the capital city of Hanoi via daily flights.
Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines Dang Anh Tuan said the new route is an important step in expanding the airline’s domestic network, creating better access for tourists to Dien Bien province and contributing to local tourism and socio-economic development.
The service opens new travel opportunities to Dien Bien, a destination known for its rich history, diverse ethnic culture and scenic landscapes, especially attractive during the winter-spring tourist season.
Vietnam Airlines has operated the Hanoi – Dien Bien route since 1994. Since Dien Bien Airport reopened in December 2023, the airline has operated nearly 2,700 flights, serving more than 385,000 passengers, reaffirming its role in enhancing regional connectivity and sustainable development./.
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The flight, coded VN1 and operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, departed from Hanoi and landed at Long Thanh after more than two hours. On board were Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh and nearly 100 passengers.
