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Turkmenistan Airlines inaugurates the first direct flight from Ashgabat to Ho Chi Minh City, marking a significant milestone in Vietnam-Turkmenistan connectivity with two flights per week.
Turkmenistan Airlines, the national carrier of Turkmenistan, has embarked on a pioneering journey by launching the first regular direct flight connecting Ashgabat and Ho Chi Minh City. This strategic move, commencing on 6th March 2024, signifies a monumental step in enhancing bilateral relations between Turkmenistan and Vietnam, while simultaneously fostering increased business, trade, and tourism opportunities.
Flight No. T5-655, utilizing a Boeing 777 wide-body aircraft, marks the commencement of this landmark route, covering over 5,000 km in nearly 10 hours. According to VnExpress, the inaugural flight departed from Ashgabat at 3:30 p.m. on 5th March and touched down at Tan Son Nhat International Airport at 1:30 a.m. the following day. This route will see two weekly flights every Wednesday and Thursday, running until 27th October.
The introduction of this direct flight is the culmination of years of strategic planning and market analysis by Turkmenistan Airlines. Mr. Toyli Sakhadov, a senior leader within the airline, has identified Vietnam as a potential market since 2014. This vision led to the acquisition of two new Boeing-777-300ER aircraft, equipped to carry 368 passengers, specifically to serve the Southeast Asian market.
Passengers, including Mr. Serdar Nazarov, have lauded the direct service for dramatically reducing travel time and enhancing the overall travel experience. Nazarov noted the significant reduction in travel time—down to about 9 hours from the 18 hours required with connecting flights—along with the comfort and professional service onboard the Boeing 777, as key factors enhancing his business travel experience to Vietnam.
This new air link between Turkmenistan and Vietnam is not just a logistical achievement; it is a testament to the growing relations between the two countries since they established diplomatic ties in 1992. The 30th anniversary of these relations saw intensified interactions, including the Vietnam-Turkmenistan Business Forum and engagements across various sectors, underscoring the multifaceted cooperation between the two nations.
The launch of the direct flight by Turkmenistan Airlines is poised to significantly contribute to the deepening of bilateral ties. It will facilitate not only the exchange of goods and services but also cultural and educational exchanges. As both countries continue to explore new areas of cooperation, this direct flight stands as a symbol of their commitment to a shared future of prosperity and mutual understanding.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
