The first direct flight from Narita International Airport in Tokyo, Japan to Da Nang City, central Vietnam landed on Sunday following a long COVID-induced hiatus, carrying some 180 Japanese tourists to the central Vietnamese coastal city.

The VN319 flight operated by Vietnam’s national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines touched down at Da Nang International Airport at 2:25 pm, marking Japan’s reopening of regular international air routes to Da Nang.

Da Nang tourism authorities, Vietnam Airlines, Da Nang International Terminal Investment and Operation JSC, and other relevant agencies held an artistic performance to welcome these Japanese travelers.

The tourists were also offered souvenirs. Three of them received three return air tickets for the Narita - Da Nang route from Vietnam Airlines as well.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan was a leading source market of Da Nang’s tourism.

Nguyen Xuan Binh, deputy director of the Da Nang Department of Tourism, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that there will be more flights carrying Japanese tourists to Da Nang in the near future.

According to the department, Japan is a key source market for Da Nang with stable growth.

In 2019, the number of Japanese tourist arrivals to Da Nang reached over 183,000, almost double the 92,000 arrivals in 2015.

Since Vietnam reopened its doors to international tourists in March last year, the city has welcomed some 27,000 Japanese visitors, news site Vietnamplus reported.

Vietnam Airlines reported that four flights per week will be operated on the Narita - Da Nang air route between March and June this year.

The frequency will rise to seven flights per week from July to boost tourism and trade exchange between Japan and the central region of Vietnam.

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