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Vietnam Airlines launches direct Ho Chi Minh City – Dien Bien service, strengthening Northwest regional connectivity

Starting December 24, Vietnam Airlines will operate the Ho Chi Minh City – Dien Bien – Hanoi route, enhancing regional links and improving travel convenience for commerce and tourism.

According to the airline, the new service will directly connect the country’s largest economic hub with the Northwest region. The route is expected to boost interregional mobility and meet rising demand for business and leisure travel.

Under the planned schedule, flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Dien Bien will depart at 09:35 and arrive at 11:55. From Dien Bien, passengers can conveniently connect to Hanoi on a flight departing at 12:30 and landing at 13:25, ensuring a seamless and time-efficient journey.

Vietnam Airlines is currently the only carrier operating flights to Dien Bien Airport.

The combination of daily Dien Bien – Hanoi flights and the high-frequency Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City trunk route, operating 30 to 32 flights per day, enables passengers from the southern region to access Dien Bien with ease. From there, travelers can connect to key destinations across the Northwest and northern Vietnam, forming multi-experience travel itineraries.

A Vietnam Airlines representative emphasized that the new route plays a critical role in strengthening Dien Bien’s connectivity with major economic and tourism centers, thereby stimulating trade, expanding visitor flows, and contributing to local development. Provincial leaders noted that direct links to Ho Chi Minh City are increasingly important as Dien Bien pursues a development model centered on sustainability and positions tourism as a strategic economic pillar.

Upgrades to Dien Bien Airport, together with enhancements to local tourism offerings, are expected to help attract more visitors, particularly those interested in the region’s distinct culture, history, and natural landscapes.

Nguyen The Bao, Deputy CEO of Vietnam Airlines, stated that the launch of the Ho Chi Minh City – Dien Bien route reflects the airline’s commitment to strengthening regional connectivity and supporting socio-economic development at the local level. He noted that this aligns with the carrier’s broader network strategy, balancing operational efficiency with its role as a national airline. He expressed confidence that the new route will attract higher-spending travelers and stimulate trade, investment, and tourism in Dien Bien.

As the national flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines continues to maintain essential routes supporting social welfare and ensuring seamless nationwide connectivity, including in markets with limited commercial returns. Operating routes such as Dien Bien requires significant investment in resources, costs, and technical capabilities, underscoring the airline’s responsibility in fostering regional development and contributing to security and stability in the Northwest.

The launch of the Ho Chi Minh City – Dien Bien – Hanoi route enhances Vietnam Airlines’ domestic network, strengthens regional links, and helps position Dien Bien as a culturally rich destination on Vietnam’s tourism map.