Vietnam’s aviation sector is soaring in 2025, with new flight routes and increased frequencies opening doors for European and Russian travelers. As a Domestic Management Company (DMC) specializing in curated tours and hotel expertise, Vietone Travel is closely tracking these developments. For travel agents, these routes mean better access, more affordable fares, and fresh possibilities for crafting unforgettable Vietnam itineraries. Let’s explore what’s new, how it affects your clients, and why it matters for your business.
A Skyrocketing Market
Vietnam’s aviation market is projected to grow 8% in 2025, fueled by fleet expansions and new international connections. Over 10 new aircraft will join local carriers like Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet, pushing the total to over 200 planes. This growth isn’t just domestic—international routes are expanding fast, especially to Europe and Russia, key markets for Vietone Travel’s agent partners. In 2023, Vietnam welcomed 12.6 million international visitors, and with 14.1 million by October 2024, the country’s on track for 18 million in 2025. These new routes are a game-changer for getting there.
New Routes from Europe
European travelers are getting easier access to Vietnam, with Vietnam Airlines leading the charge. A standout is the new Hanoi-Milan Malpensa route, launching July 1, 2025, with three weekly Boeing 787-9 flights. This marks Vietnam’s first direct link to Italy, catering to leisure and business travelers. The airline’s also eyeing Copenhagen as a sixth European destination, joining London, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, and now Milan. These routes cut travel time—Hanoi to Milan takes about 12 hours—making Vietnam more appealing for short-haul European getaways.
“New direct flights like Hanoi-Milan are a win for agents—shorter travel times mean happier clients and more bookings.”
Increased frequencies are another boon. Hanoi-Munich flights will ramp up in 2025, and Vietjet’s budget options to Europe are growing too. For agents, this means more scheduling flexibility and competitive fares, especially for winter escapes to Vietnam’s beaches like Phu Quoc. But with European demand up 20-80% since 2022, peak-season seats could get tight—early booking is key.
Russia’s Rebound
Russia, a top market pre-Covid with 606,637 visitors in 2018, is bouncing back. Vietnam Airlines resumes its Hanoi-Moscow route in May 2025 after a three-year pause, starting with two weekly flights and hitting three by July 2026. Russian charter flights are also surging, with Aeroflot boosting Moscow-Nha Trang to four weekly flights from April 2025. Cam Ranh International Airport now sees charters from Moscow, Irkutsk, and beyond, with 50-55 monthly flights planned for April-June 2025, up from 12 in March.
“Russia’s return to Vietnam’s skies is huge—direct flights to Nha Trang mean beach tours are back on the map for Russian clients.”
These routes slash costs and time compared to indirect Middle East connections, which dominated during the hiatus. In 2024, 232,300 Russians visited Vietnam, and with new flights, numbers could near pre-Covid levels. For agents, this opens doors for affordable beach tours to Nha Trang or cultural trips to Hanoi, though geopolitical risks and currency fluctuations need watching.
What It Means for Pricing and Availability
New routes and bigger fleets are driving competition, which could keep fares down in 2025—great for price-sensitive European and Russian clients. Vietjet’s budget model and Vietnam Airlines’ expanded capacity mean more seats, especially off-season. However, challenges like Pratt & Whitney engine recalls grounding A321s and high fuel prices from global conflicts could nudge fares up. Peak winter months, when Europeans and Russians flock to Vietnam, will see tight availability, so agents should secure flights early.
Why It Matters for Agents
These routes expand your toolkit. Milan’s direct link makes northern Italy a new feeder market for Vietnam tours, while Russia’s charters revive demand for coastal hotspots. Shorter flights and more options let you craft diverse itineraries—think city breaks in Hanoi paired with Da Nang beach stays. Digital booking platforms (66% of revenue by 2029) demand quick action, but Vietone Travel’s hotel expertise ensures your tours stay cost-effective and seamless.
Your Playbook
Stay sharp—monitor these routes to spot opportunities. Watch demand spikes from Italy and Russia, where new flights will drive interest in curated tours. Track the flood of new hotel inventory (40,000 rooms by 2030) to pair with these routes, keeping prices low. Book early for winter to beat availability crunches. Vietnam’s skies are opening wide—use these connections to build tours that thrill your clients and boost your business.
