After three years of suspension due to territorial disputes, Vietnam and China have resumed regular commercial flights. The first flight from Beijing landed on Sunday at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, marking a significant step towards improving relations between the two countries. This resumption of regular commercial flights is a positive sign towards enhancing trade and tourism between Vietnam and China, and the move could boost struggling airlines and economies in both countries. In this article, we will dive deeper into the reasons for the suspension and the significance of the recent resumption of air travel between Vietnam and China.
Vietnam Airlines has recently launched its first regular flight from Beijing in over three years. Flight VN513 departed the Chinese capital at 3:30 pm and arrived in Hanoi at 5:55 pm. The national flag carrier of Vietnam welcomed passengers with a ceremony at Beijing Capital International Airport.
The airline is now operating three round-trip flights per week between Hanoi and Beijing and plans to increase the flights from the middle of the year. Additionally, it is considering opening an air route connecting with Beijing Daxing International Airport.
China is one of Vietnam Airlines’ biggest international markets. The airline has resumed most of its air routes to Chinese destinations, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Guangzhou and Shanghai, and Hanoi with Beijing.
In the coming months, the carrier will re-open four routes linking Da Nang with Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Chengdu, and Hanoi with Chengdu. It will also be utilizing wide-body aircraft, Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, more frequently on routes to China.
The resumption of air routes is expected to facilitate tourism, trade, and investment between Vietnam and China after the pandemic. It will also aid Vietnam in achieving international tourist targets this year.
