The first charter flight from Shenzhen (China) to Van Don International Airport (Quang Ninh) was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute.

The flight, operated by a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, departed from Bao’an International Airport (Shenzhen City) at 6:10 p.m. and landed at Van Don at 8:00 p.m. on November 1, carrying 147 passengers from China to visit Quang Ninh. The group will stay in Quang Ninh for five days to explore its famous tourist attractions before returning to Shenzhen on the next charter flight from Van Don International Airport.

Immediately afterwards, the return flight from Van Don to Shenzhen departed at 9:10 p.m. and landed at Bao’an International Airport at midnight (Viet Nam time), carrying 162 Chinese visitors who had previously entered Quang Ninh via land routes.

Tourists take commemorative photos upon arrival on the first charter flight from Shenzhen to Quang Ninh.

With a flight time of only around two hours, the Shenzhen–Van Don air route shortens the travel distance between two dynamic economic and tourism hubs in the region, creating opportunities for cooperation, investment, and enhanced experiences for international travellers visiting Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Van Don–Shenzhen air route will help bring Chinese visitors back to Quang Ninh, contributing to realising the province’s goal of welcoming 1.25 million international tourists in the fourth quarter of 2025.

In the initial phase, ten round-trip charter flights are scheduled for November 6, 10, 15, 20, and 24, 2025.

In 2019, Van Don International Airport operated flights to Shenzhen with a frequency of two flights per week before the route was suspended due to the Covid–19 pandemic.

The resumption of flights to Shenzhen – one of the most developed cities in southern China – demonstrates the joint efforts of Quang Ninh Province and enterprises to diversify international tourism markets. This move also represents a strategic step in Quang Ninh’s international tourism development. Shenzhen is regarded as a promising market with strong spending power, representing the mid- to high-end tourist segment targeted by Quang Ninh.

The reopening of the Van Don–Shenzhen air route not only reconnects traditional tourist markets but also realises Van Don Airport’s strategy to expand its international flight network in the coming period.

Leaders of Quang Ninh Province’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism present flowers to welcome visitors from Shenzhen.

“The effective operation of the Van Don–Shenzhen air route not only promotes the great potential of the Chinese market but also reaffirms Van Don Airport’s role in Quang Ninh’s transport network. This event marks a new development phase for Van Don International Airport as it expands internationally and diversifies its aviation services, contributing to Quang Ninh’s international tourism growth targets,” a representative of Van Don International Airport shared.

Accordingly, in January and February 2026, Van Don International Airport is expected to receive nine round-trip international charter flights from Cheongju (Republic of Korea).

Currently, Viet Nam Airlines operates the Ho Chi Minh City–Van Don route with a frequency of three flights per week (on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays), enhancing connectivity between the southern region and the northern heritage area.

Recently, during the official visit to the United Kingdom (UK) by a high-level Vietnamese delegation, Quang Ninh Province, Sun Group, Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited (HAECO) and VinaCapital Holdings signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to study the construction of an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) complex at Van Don International Airport. The agreement also aims to promote technology transfer, high-quality human resource training, and the development of a modern, green aviation model in northern Viet Nam.

Built to meet the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)’s 4E standards, Van Don International Airport is the first private airport in Viet Nam, featuring modern infrastructure, advanced technology, and international-standard services. The terminal, runway, immigration area, baggage system, and international lounge are all designed flexibly and optimised for international flight operations.

Van Don International Airport meets ICAO’s 4E standards with modern infrastructure and high-quality services.

The airport’s personnel are professionally trained in operations, foreign languages and international security procedures, ensuring the highest service standards for all passenger groups. The airport also works with airlines and tourism enterprises to organise welcome events and local cultural–culinary performances, creating a memorable first impression for visitors to Quang Ninh.

The launch of the Shenzhen–Van Don charter service takes place as Quang Ninh launches its 2025 year-end tourism stimulus campaign themed “Quang Ninh – Heritage Experience, Global Connection”, targeting 20 million visitors, including 4.5 million international tourists, through a series of large-scale cultural, sports and culinary events and attractive promotions.