The first flight departed from Hanoi in the early morning, and arrived in Melbourne after nine hours. The plane then returned from the second biggest city of Australia on the same day.

The opening of the direct air route is a significant event in 2023 when the two countries are celebrating the 50^th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties.

With the new route opening, Vietnam Airlines is operating the largest number of direct air routes with the highest frequency between Vietnam and Australia – four routes with 18 flights per week connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Sydney and Melbourne. Last year, Australia ranked eighth among the sources of international air passengers of Vietnam. The country is now at the fourth place among the most important markets of Vietnam Airlines. The carrier is considering the opening of more routes to Perth of West Australia state and the Northern Territory’s Darwin, and a route from Ho Chi Minh City to Queensland state’s Brisbane./.