First direct flight from Russia: Khanh Hoa celebrates the return of tourists!

First direct flight from Russia: Khanh Hoa celebrates the return of tourists!

On May 13, 2025, Red Wings' first charter flight to Khanh Hoa landed after a three-year hiatus. Flight WZ3203 took off from Kazan International Airport with almost 400 passengers on board and was greeted with an impressive water cannon salute. This marks a significant step for Russian tourism in Vietnam, particularly in the coastal city of Nha Trang, favored by many Russians. How Vietnam.vn Reports, Red Wings is the fifth Russian airline to offer direct flights to Khanh Hoa, joining Azur Air, Aeroflot, Ir Aero Airlines and Ikar Airlines.

The guests' arrival was celebrated by representatives from the Khanh Hoa Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Cam Ranh International Airport staff. Flowers and souvenirs were presented to passengers and crew, while traditional lion dance performances and performances of traditional musical instruments accompanied the celebrations. Fun and Sun Vietnam Co., Ltd. plans to offer regular flights to Khanh Hoa from various Russian cities such as Kazan, Moscow, Krasnoyarsk and Yekaterinburg from May 2025. 4-5 flights per week are planned.

Revival of Russian tourism

The resumption of direct flights could significantly boost the increase in Russian tourists in Khanh Hoa. In April 2025, more than 31,000 Russian visitors were recorded in the province, an increase of 30.7% compared to March. In the first four months of 2025, a total of over 80,000 Russians came to Khanh Hoa, which is 2.5 times more than in the same period last year. This confirms the positive development of the tourism sector in the region and conveys an image of a stabilizing market.

Additionally, another flight, ZF2577 of Azur Air, arrived in Khanh Hoa from Russia on Monday. This flight departed from Irkutsk International Airport and carried 231 passengers. The provincial administration also held a welcoming ceremony to mark the occasion. This return of Russian tourists comes after a three-year hiatus due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which previously severely restricted direct connections and travel.

Outlook and plans

Anex Vietnam Trading and Tourism Co. Ltd. managing director Nguyen Duc Tan has announced plans to restore charter flights from 11 Russian cities to Nha Trang. After the first flight, about 12 flights are planned in March, increasing to 50-55 flights per month from April to June and even 90-100 flights per month from July. These measures are expected to help bring tourist visitor numbers to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2025, where approximately 463,000 Russian tourists visited Khanh Hoa.

A target of 11.8 million total visitors to Khanh Hoa has been set so far this year, including 5.2 million international tourists. Target sales are estimated at VND60 trillion (US$2.35 billion). Despite the challenges of recent years, the massive 206% increase in Russian visitors in 2024 compared to the previous year shows that the market's potential is being recognized and implemented.