Italy Unites with Denmark, India, Philippines, Indonesia and Other Countries in Accelerating Travel as Vietnam Airlines Expands Its Network with New Routes

Published on December 25, 2025

Italy unites with Denmark, India, Philippines, Indonesia, and other countries in accelerating travel as Vietnam Airlines expands its network with new routes aimed at strengthening connectivity and boosting tourism. The airline’s recent addition of the Ho Chi Minh City–Dien Bien route marks a significant step in enhancing access to Vietnam’s historically rich and scenic Northwest region. This new service, along with several international routes to destinations in Southeast Asia and Europe, is expected to create new opportunities for tourism and economic development, promoting less-visited areas while making travel more accessible for both local and international travelers.

Vietnam Airlines has once again demonstrated its commitment to expanding air connectivity across the globe by launching several new routes in 2025. This year, the airline is set to not only enhance its domestic network but also broaden its international connections, significantly increasing accessibility to key tourism destinations. Among the new services, the Ho Chi Minh City–Dien Bien route stands out as a pivotal milestone in the airline’s strategy to strengthen connections between Southern Vietnam and the Northwest region. These efforts align with the airline’s broader vision of promoting tourism, fostering economic growth, and enhancing regional connectivity.

New Domestic Route: Ho Chi Minh City to Dien Bien

On December 24, 2025, Vietnam Airlines inaugurated its much-anticipated direct flight between Ho Chi Minh City and Dien Bien. This new route, operated by an Airbus A321, marks a significant development for the airline and the province, which has long been an overlooked gem in Vietnam’s tourism landscape. The first flight, VN1160, took off from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City at 9:35 AM and arrived at Dien Bien Airport at 11:55 AM, carrying around 100 passengers.

This new service directly connects the economic powerhouse of the south with Dien Bien, a culturally rich province in the Northwest of Vietnam, known for its historical significance, particularly the famous Dien Bien Phu battlefield. The route is operated twice a week, with flight durations of approximately two hours and 20 minutes. It provides both domestic and international travelers easier access to one of Vietnam’s most scenic and historically significant regions.

Dien Bien, famed for its diverse ethnic groups, stunning natural landscapes, and historical sites, is poised to see an influx of visitors thanks to this new connection. The province’s popularity peaks during the winter-spring season, when its cool weather and lush greenery attract tourists from all over. For travelers looking to explore Vietnam beyond the well-trodden paths, Dien Bien offers a refreshing alternative, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes.

Boosting Tourism in Dien Bien

The new Ho Chi Minh City–Dien Bien route is expected to significantly boost local tourism. With easier access to this lesser-known region, both domestic and international visitors will now have the opportunity to discover Dien Bien’s unique cultural and natural attractions. The province is home to various ethnic communities, such as the Tay, H’mong, and Thai people, whose traditional customs and festivals add to the province’s vibrant cultural tapestry. Moreover, Dien Bien Phu, the site of the historic Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954, is one of the most prominent historical landmarks in Vietnam, attracting history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike.

The addition of this flight is expected to make a substantial impact on the local economy by not only drawing in more tourists but also supporting local businesses. This will result in increased demand for accommodation, transportation, dining, and other services that contribute to the region’s socio-economic development. With Vietnam Airlines spearheading the effort to connect this remote region to the rest of the country, Dien Bien’s tourism sector is poised for substantial growth.

Furthermore, as the airline extends its network, it opens up even more opportunities for visitors to explore Dien Bien’s rich agricultural and handicraft sectors. The enhanced access will promote local markets and businesses, creating a more sustainable economic environment and encouraging investment in the region.

Vietnam Airlines’ Broader Domestic Expansion

The Ho Chi Minh City–Dien Bien route is part of Vietnam Airlines’ broader strategy to expand its domestic network. By adding this route, the airline continues to increase its reach within Vietnam, improving accessibility to areas with significant cultural, historical, and economic potential. The airline’s commitment to strengthening regional connections plays a crucial role in supporting the government’s goal of balanced and sustainable tourism development, particularly in areas that have been underexplored in the past.

As part of its ongoing efforts, Vietnam Airlines has continued to operate the Hanoi–Dien Bien route, which has been active since 1994. This route has helped boost the region’s tourism industry and served as a vital transportation link for both business and leisure travelers. However, the new Ho Chi Minh City service adds another level of connectivity, making the province accessible from both the north and south, thus enhancing its appeal to a broader audience.

Expanding International Routes

In addition to strengthening its domestic network, Vietnam Airlines has also rolled out several new international routes in 2025, positioning itself as a critical player in enhancing Southeast Asia’s air connectivity. These new services, aimed at boosting tourism and business travel, reflect Vietnam Airlines’ commitment to offering diverse travel options for both leisure and corporate travelers. The airline has focused on expanding access to key cultural and tourist destinations in Asia and Europe, helping to increase the flow of international travelers to Vietnam.

Some of the notable new international routes include:

• Hanoi (HAN) – Cebu (CEB), Philippines: Launched on December 2, 2025, this new route strengthens the airline’s ties with Southeast Asia and provides easier access to the Philippines’ popular tourism spots, including white-sand beaches and cultural sites.
• Hanoi (HAN) – Jakarta (CGK), Indonesia: Launched on November 22, 2025, this route further deepens Vietnam Airlines’ presence in Southeast Asia and opens up more travel opportunities for tourists heading to Vietnam or Indonesia.
• Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) – Copenhagen (CPH), Denmark: In a major move to expand its European reach, this direct service to Copenhagen, launched on December 15, 2025, provides easier access for travelers seeking to explore both Denmark’s capital and Vietnam’s vibrant tourism offerings.
• Hanoi (HAN) – Milan (MXP), Italy: This direct flight, launched on July 1, 2025, strengthens Vietnam Airlines’ footprint in Europe and supports the country’s broader tourism strategy to attract 22 to 24 million international visitors between 2025 and 2027.

These new routes represent a clear strategic effort to cater to both the growing demand for travel between Southeast Asia and Europe and the airline’s broader goal of strengthening Vietnam’s position as a regional tourism hub. By increasing the number of connections to key international destinations, Vietnam Airlines is making it easier for travelers to explore the country’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and thriving economy.

Enhancing Regional Connectivity and Economic Growth

The launch of these new routes is not only about increasing tourism but also about promoting economic development in the regions they serve. By improving connectivity, Vietnam Airlines is opening up more markets for businesses, fostering investment opportunities, and creating jobs in the hospitality and transportation sectors. The new Dien Bien route, for example, will improve the trade and investment flow between Ho Chi Minh City and the province, stimulating local businesses and creating a more sustainable economic model for the region.

Moreover, Vietnam Airlines’ expansion aligns with the broader national goal of decentralizing tourism, encouraging more balanced growth, and reducing the pressure on heavily visited tourist destinations such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Ha Long Bay. The promotion of lesser-known destinations like Dien Bien helps to spread out the tourist traffic, reducing the strain on popular hotspots and offering travelers the chance to discover hidden gems.

Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Exchange

Vietnam Airlines’ expansion also contributes to the development of sustainable tourism. By promoting eco-tourism and cultural tourism in regions like Dien Bien, the airline is helping to preserve the environment while offering authentic travel experiences. This commitment to responsible tourism is increasingly important as travelers seek to explore destinations that prioritize environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.

In addition to encouraging responsible travel, the airline’s new routes promote cultural exchange between Vietnam and its international partners. As more tourists travel to Vietnam, they bring with them diverse cultural perspectives, creating opportunities for dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

The launch of the Ho Chi Minh City–Dien Bien route, along with the new international services, represents a significant milestone in Vietnam Airlines’ efforts to expand its network and enhance regional connectivity. This move not only boosts tourism but also provides economic opportunities for the regions it serves. As Vietnam continues to grow as a tourism destination, the airline’s focus on regional and international expansion will play a key role in shaping the future of travel in Vietnam and beyond.

Italy unites with Denmark, India, Philippines, Indonesia, and other countries in accelerating travel as Vietnam Airlines expands its network with new routes to enhance regional connectivity and boost tourism. The new Ho Chi Minh City–Dien Bien flight, along with several international services, opens up exciting opportunities for travelers to explore Vietnam’s diverse regions.

Dien Bien, with its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, is now poised to become a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. As the region becomes more accessible, the travel impact will be felt across various sectors, from tourism to agriculture and beyond. With Vietnam Airlines at the helm, Dien Bien is on track to become a key player in Vietnam’s tourism landscape, contributing to the country’s sustainable growth and vibrant future.