Vietnam Airlines’ decision to resume direct flights between Hanoi and Moscow from May 8, 2025, after a three-year hiatus, is being seen as a significant step toward revitalizing international travel. The airline plans to start with twice-weekly flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays, before increasing the frequency to three flights per week by July 2026 to accommodate growing demand. This move signals a renewed effort to restore pre-pandemic travel flows, particularly between Vietnam and one of its key international markets—Russia.

With Russia serving as one of Vietnam’s most important tourism and trade partners, the resumption of this direct route could provide much-needed momentum to both countries’ travel industries. However, uncertainties around visa policies, geopolitical tensions, and airline capacity constraints could influence the success of this initiative.

A Route Poised to Rebuild Vietnam’s Tourism

The aviation and tourism sectors have struggled to regain their pre-pandemic strength. While Vietnam welcomed 220,000 Russian visitors in 2024, this figure was only 26% of 2019 levels. The increase in demand for travel has prompted Vietnam Airlines to expand its flight network, with the Hanoi-Moscow route at the center of these recovery efforts.

Industry experts believe that re-establishing direct connectivity between Vietnam and Russia could help Vietnam regain its position as a popular travel destination for Russian tourists. Before 2020, Russians were among the largest groups of international visitors, particularly favoring destinations like Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Da Nang. The lack of direct flights over the past three years forced many to reconsider Vietnam as a travel option, leading to increased competition from Thailand, Turkey, and the UAE.

For Vietnam Airlines, resuming this long-haul route is not just about passenger traffic—it’s also about strengthening business, cultural, and diplomatic ties. The direct connection is expected to encourage increased investment, trade agreements, and tourism promotions between the two countries.

Aviation’s Role in Global Tourism Recovery

The announcement of Vietnam Airlines’ wider expansion strategy suggests that the carrier is aggressively positioning itself as a leading player in post-pandemic aviation recovery. Apart from Russia, the airline also plans to launch or resume 15 additional international routes in 2025, including key destinations such as Italy, Denmark, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the UAE.

Expanding its international presence could help Vietnam Airlines compete with regional carriers that have dominated routes to and from Vietnam in recent years. Airlines from Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia have gained a larger share of Southeast Asian travel markets, making it essential for Vietnam Airlines to act swiftly in re-establishing its foothold.

However, long-haul routes like Hanoi-Moscow remain logistically and financially challenging, requiring a strong demand for both leisure and business travel to be sustainable. If economic or political instability disrupts this balance, airlines could once again be forced to suspend operations, much like they did in 2020.

Could Geopolitical and Economic Factors Impact the Route’s Success?

The success of the Hanoi-Moscow route will depend on more than just tourism demand. Several external factors could impact its long-term viability, including:

• Visa and travel restrictions: Changes in Russian or Vietnamese visa policies could either encourage or discourage travelers from choosing this route.
• Geopolitical tensions: Diplomatic relationships between Russia, Vietnam, and Western nations could indirectly affect air traffic demand.
• Airspace restrictions: With ongoing airspace limitations affecting Russian carriers, Vietnam Airlines may face route planning challenges.
• Economic conditions: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates and travel affordability could influence Russian tourists’ willingness to fly long-haul.

While direct air links have historically boosted tourism and trade, they are also highly vulnerable to external shocks. Vietnam Airlines will need to closely monitor global market trends to ensure that its expansion remains sustainable.

What This Means for Global Travelers

For travelers, the resumption of the Hanoi-Moscow flight could offer a more seamless and convenient travel experience between the two countries. Previously, Russian tourists heading to Vietnam had to rely on indirect flights via the Middle East or Southeast Asia, increasing travel time and costs. With direct service back in place, Vietnam could regain its appeal as a premier holiday destination for Russian travelers.

Additionally, business travelers and investors will benefit from improved connectivity, making it easier to conduct trade, attend business meetings, and explore investment opportunities in both countries.

For global tourists planning multi-destination trips, the return of this route also presents new opportunities for extended travel itineraries. Russia-based travelers may consider exploring Southeast Asia beyond Vietnam, while Vietnamese tourists may see Moscow as a new gateway to Europe and Central Asia.

The Future of Vietnam Airlines and the Hanoi-Moscow Route

The next year will be crucial in determining whether Vietnam Airlines can successfully maintain and expand the Hanoi-Moscow route. The airline’s broader expansion plans suggest an optimistic outlook, but challenges remain.

With demand for international travel increasing, airlines worldwide are racing to rebuild their networks and reclaim lost markets. The reintroduction of this historic route is a sign that Vietnam’s aviation sector is confident in a full-scale recovery, but global economic and political conditions will ultimately determine its long-term success.

If executed well, this route could set a precedent for other airlines looking to rebuild direct long-haul connections between Asia and Europe. However, if challenges arise, it could once again highlight the vulnerabilities of international travel, reminding the world that even as aviation rebounds, global uncertainties still play a major role.

The post Vietnam Airlines Resumes New Hanoi to Moscow Flights After 3 Years, Reviving Vietnam-Russia Tourism in 2025 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.