Vietnam Airlines on December 19 operated the first passenger flight to Long Thanh International Airport, marking the beginning of civil aviation operations at Vietnam’s newest and most modern airport.

The flight, coded VN1 and operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, departed from Hanoi and landed at Long Thanh after more than two hours. On board were Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh and nearly 100 passengers.

Long Thanh International Airport is among 234 key projects broke ground or inaugurated simultaneously nationwide on December 19 to celebrate the 11th National Emulation Congress and 14th National Party Congress.

A Vietnam Airlines representative was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as saying that the safe landing of the wide-body aircraft, following a successful technical verification flight on December 15, demonstrates the airport’s high level of readiness as well as strong coordination among relevant ministries, agencies, and service units. This flight is considered a significant milestone in the roadmap to officially put Long Thanh International Airport into full commercial operation.

Vietnam Airlines General Director Le Hong Ha, meanwhile, stated that the first commercial passenger flight to Long Thanh not only opens a new phase of operations for the national flag carrier but also contributes to accelerating the modernization of Vietnam’s aviation infrastructure, and enhancing domestic and international connectivity.