Vietnam Airlines launches direct flight from Hanoi to Milan - the "heart" of Italy.(Photo: nhandan.vn)

The Hanoi–Milan route will operate three round-trip flights per week on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, using wide-body Boeing 787 aircraft. The flight each way will take approximately 12 hours.

Mr. Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines, said the direct Hanoi–Milan route opens doors for tourism and business between the two countries, making Italy a more promising European market.

The new service will give Vietnamese tourists easier access to Rome, Florence, Venice, and other famous Italian cities while Italian tourists will have easier access to Hanoi, Ha Long bay, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.