Vietnam Airlines has launched a direct flight between Vietnam and the Philippines, marking the first direct connection between the two Southeast Asian countries, the Vietnamplus online newspaper has reported.

The inaugural flight, VN648, departed from Ho Chi Minh City at 12:50 AM on June 17 and landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila at 4:20 AM the same day.

It will operate seven flights per week with four on the HCM City-Manila route and the remainder connecting Hanoi with Manila.  

The new route is expected to open up many opportunities to promote tourism development and trade exchanges between the two countries.

Vietnam has become attractive for Filipino visitors thanks to its geographical proximity, affordable travel costs, and rich cultural heritage.