Vietnam Airlines announced that the first ever non-stop service from the UK to Vietnam
10 December 2011
The inaugural flight from London to Hanoi took off from Gatwick Airport this week. Passengers at Gatwick were treated to a Vietnamese stage show at the airport’s North Terminal.
The new flights have been introduced in response to growing demand and interest in Vietnam amongst UK travellers.
Dr Minh, president and CEO of Vietnam Airlines says, "There is no question that there is potential and a determination to bring the partnership between Vietnam and the UK to a new level. And direct air services, I believe, can definitely deliver enormous economic and social benefits. With London now on the list, we have expanded our route network to 28 international destinations. Vietnam will now seem so much closer for UK travellers, with flight times cut to 12 hours".
Vietnam Airlines plans to increase the frequency of services, and intends to operate the B787 Dreamliner on the route in due course. The flights will depart from Gatwick four times a week, with two weekly departures to Hanoi and two to Ho Chi Minh City. They will be the first ever direct flights between the two countries, saving up to seven hours on journey times. Return flights from London to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi start from £618 inclusive of taxes.