The air link marks a significant stride in bolstering the two countries’ comprehensive cooperation across multiple areas, particularly economy, trade, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

Party General Secretary To Lam (fourth from left) and officials at the launch of the Ha Noi – Moscow direct air route on May 9.

In his speech, Vietnam Airlines General Director Le Hong Ha stressed that beyond transportation, the new route serves as a bridge connecting the two countries’ rich cultures and symbolising the enduring friendship between their people.

It will open new pathways for Russian travellers to explore Southeast Asia through Vietnam while facilitating Vietnamese access to Eastern Europe via Moscow, he stated.

Looking ahead, Vietnam Airlines commits to scaling up operations, considering potential new destinations, and exploring charter flights to Russia, including the Far East region.

The airline also plans to bolster cooperation with multiple travel partners to diversify its products and enhance operational efficiency, bringing the people of both countries closer together and creating new dynamics for cooperation, Ha added.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi praised the national flag carrier’s efforts to resume the direct connection between the two capitals, noting that it fulfills the desire of both sides to strengthen connectivity.

He emphasised that the route will boost trade exchange and tourism development while demonstrating long-term commitment to strengthening strategic connections between the two countries.

The Vietnamese Embassy will continue serving as a bridge between businesses and citizens of both countries, helping promote Vietnam’s images internationally, he highlighted.

Vietnam Airlines is currently operating the Ha Noi – Moscow route twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays using Boeing 787 wide-body aircraft, with plans to increase frequency to three flights by July 2026.

The resumption of the Ha Noi-Moscow direct route represents a strategic step in Vietnam Airlines' international network expansion plan, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Vietnam Airlines Corporation (1995-2025).

This development demonstrates the airline's ongoing commitment to promoting Vietnam's image, enhancing the country's international standing, and fulfilling its mission of taking off with the nation in a new era.

On the occasion, Party chief Lam and the delegation also witnessed the exchange of tourism cooperation deals between Vietnamese firms and their Russian partners.

Party leader leaves for visits to Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Russia, Belarus

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee To Lam, his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly, and a high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam left Ha Noi at noon on May 5 for state visits to Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, an official visit to Russia where he will attend the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Great Patriotic War, and then a state visit to Belarus.

Vietnamese, Russian foreign ministers holds talks in Moscow

Vietnam consistently regards Russia as one of its top strategic and trusted partners in its foreign policy while Vietnam is a priority partner in Russia's foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific region.

The glorious journey connecting Vietnam and Russia

Over the past 75 years, Vietnam-Russia relations have been tested, forged and increasingly strengthened through the joint nurturing of generations of leaders and peoples of both countries. The comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia continues to grow, expand and deepen substantially across all fields. It is currently at an opportune moment to enter a new development phase.

Party chief receives Russian PM

Party General Secretary To Lam gave a reception in Hanoi on January 14 for visiting Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustinon.

Vietnamese, Russian PMs hold talks, agree on major orientations for bilateral ties

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Russian counterpart Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin held talks in Hanoi on January 14, agreeing to increase dialogue and enhance political trust to foster the countries' comprehensive cooperation.

PM hosts official welcome ceremony for visiting Russian counterpart

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on January 14 presided over an official welcome ceremony for Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin, who is making an official visit to Vietnam on January 14-15.