Ambassador Nguyen Van Trung and guests cut the ribbon to inaugurate the first direct flight route between Vietnam and Belarus, connecting Minsk with "Pearl Island" Phu Quoc.

Belarus Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Lukashevich, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belarus Nguyen Van Trung, the Director of the Aviation Department, Belarus Ministry of Transport, and the Deputy General Director of Belavia attended the official press conference announcing the Minsk – Phu Quoc route.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Lukashevich affirmed that the new route is the first achievement of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

Ambassador Nguyen Van Trung affirmed that Vietnam values the development of tourism between the two countries, contributing to enhancing people-to-people exchanges and strengthening solidarity between the two nations.

He emphasized: "The relationship between Belarus and Vietnam is developing very positively in political and economic fields, with both sides keen on promoting tourism development. The opening of the Minsk - Phu Quoc route will help realize this cooperation potential".

He noted that the 30-day visa exemption policy in Vietnam for Belarusian citizens has "opened up a wonderful opportunity for Belarusians to explore a beautiful and hospitable country".

Official press conference announcing the Minsk – Phu Quoc flight route.

Speaking to the press, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belarus Trung emphasized: "The inauguration of the first direct flight is a historic milestone, a concrete step in implementing the agreements between the high-level leaders of the two countries during General Secretary To Lam's state visit to Belarus in May 2025".

The Ambassador affirmed that Vietnam has a tradition of hospitality and many unique destinations that attract tourists to explore and experience. Vietnam values the development of tourism between the two countries, contributing to enhancing people-to-people exchanges and strengthening solidarity between the two nations.

Ceremonial cake cutting to welcome the first flight between Vietnam and Belarus.

Gleb Parkhamovich, First Deputy CEO of Belavia, affirmed that flights to Vietnam are a top priority for the Airline.

"This is an important event for us. We are not stopping at Phu Quoc but are also considering other resort destinations in Vietnam for future charter flights," Parkhamovich stated.

He also revealed that expanding the flight network has become feasible thanks to Belavia's addition of several Airbus A330-200 aircraft to its fleet.

Tourists on the flight landing at Phu Quoc Airport.

According to the plan, charter flights on the Minsk - Phu Quoc route will operate every 11 days, offering both economy and business class seats. Travelers can book tickets through tour packages provided by Belarusian travel companies.

The first flight was fully booked with 281 passengers. A representative from AeroBel Service, the company chartering the flight, stated that tickets for flights up to March 2026 have been sold out. They predict that during the 2025-2026 tourist season, the number of visitors to Vietnam via Belavia's route could reach nearly 10,000.

Direct air connectivity between Belarus and Vietnam is a significant step in both sides' efforts to facilitate mutual visits, thereby developing tourism and economic exchanges.

Pilots and flight attendants participating in the flight.

First passengers on the direct Minsk – Phu Quoc flight completing immigration procedures.