Quick Read
- Vietnam Airlines will launch new direct flights to Amsterdam from June 16, 2026, expanding its European network.
- Milan remains a key destination in Vietnam Airlines’ European network, alongside Paris, London, Munich, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, and Moscow.
- The airline utilizes wide-body Airbus A350 aircraft for its European routes, including Milan.
- The expansion strategy aims to strengthen connectivity between Southeast Asia and major European hubs.
MILAN (Azat TV) – As Vietnam Airlines prepares to significantly expand its European footprint with new direct flights to Amsterdam, the carrier reaffirms Milan’s enduring importance as a cornerstone in its established network across the continent. This strategic move, set to commence in June 2026, underscores the airline’s commitment to strengthening connectivity between Southeast Asia and major European hubs, with Milan continuing to serve as a vital gateway for travelers and commerce.
The flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines, announced its first-ever route to the Netherlands, with three weekly flights from Hanoi to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport beginning June 16, 2026. This expansion brings the airline’s European network to a total of eight destinations, solidifying its presence in one of the world’s most critical aviation markets.
Milan’s Enduring Role in Vietnam Airlines’ European Network
Milan stands alongside prominent cities such as Paris, London, Munich, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, and Moscow as part of Vietnam Airlines’ established European portfolio. The airline’s consistent service to Milan highlights the Italian city’s strategic significance, providing essential links for passengers traveling to and from Vietnam and the broader Southeast Asian region. These routes are typically operated by wide-body Airbus A350 aircraft, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience for passengers.
Nguyen Quang Trung, Deputy CEO of Vietnam Airlines, emphasized the broader strategic implications of the airline’s European expansion. “This direct route [to Amsterdam] is an important milestone in our strategy to expand the European network. Our presence at one of the world’s major aviation hubs opens new business opportunities for the airline,” Trung stated. This sentiment extends to existing hubs like Milan, whose continued inclusion in the network reflects its consistent value in the airline’s long-term growth strategy.
Enhanced Connectivity and Strategic Hubs
The addition of Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, recognized as one of northern Europe’s major air hubs, enhances Vietnam Airlines’ ability to offer seamless connections. Inbound flights to Europe are strategically timed to facilitate onward travel across Vietnam Airlines’ extensive domestic and regional network, including popular destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc. Similarly, Milan’s established position as a European hub allows for crucial onward connections for travelers originating from Vietnam.
The airline’s focus on key European cities like Milan, coupled with its latest expansion into Amsterdam, demonstrates a clear strategy to leverage major aviation hubs for both passenger traffic and potential cargo opportunities. This network development not only benefits leisure travelers but also supports growing economic ties and business exchanges between Vietnam and European nations.
The sustained inclusion of Milan in Vietnam Airlines’ expanding European network, particularly in light of new strategic routes like Amsterdam, underscores the city’s confirmed importance as a stable and valuable point of connectivity for Southeast Asian air travel.