There’s something magical about welcoming a long-lost friend back home — and that’s exactly what happened on July 3, 2025, when the first non-stop Vietnam Airlines flight from Osaka touched down at Da Nang International Airport. This isn’t just the return of a route; it’s the revival of a cultural and economic bridge between two vibrant cities with deep-rooted ties. Let’s dive into what made this moment so special and why it matters to travelers, dreamers, and anyone who loves exploring the world.
Welcome Ceremony at Da Nang Airport
The Sky Bridge Between Da Nang and Osaka Is Back!
After a temporary pause, the direct connection between Da Nang (Vietnam) and Osaka (Japan) is officially back in business. On board flight VN337, passengers departed from the heart of Japan and arrived in sunny Central Vietnam, marking a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to rebuild and grow Vietnam’s international flight network.
This is the first direct flight reconnecting Osaka and Da Nang since the pandemic disruptions, and it’s part of Vietnam Airlines’ broader push to expand routes between Vietnam and major hubs across Japan.
A VIP Welcome with a Warm Vietnamese Touch
They say first impressions matter — and Da Nang sure knows how to make one. The welcome ceremony took place at the international arrivals area of Da Nang International Airport and had all the pomp and pageantry of a homecoming celebration.
Notable Guests at the Ceremony:
- The Consul General of Japan in Da Nang
- Representatives from Da Nang’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism
- Central Region Airport Authorities
- Local police and customs officials
- Vietnam Airlines executives
- Members of the local and international media
As passengers stepped off the plane, they were greeted with a soulful blend of Vietnamese and Japanese cultural performances — setting the tone for the harmonic relationship between the two countries. Three lucky passengers even received fresh flowers, Vietnamese keepsakes, and complimentary return flight vouchers sponsored by Vietnam Airlines. And just so no one felt left out, every traveler got a goodie bag from Danang FantastiCity, plus discount vouchers for local experiences.
Performance
Gifts for Passengers
Warm Reception
Why This Flight Matters: More Than Just Miles
Let’s zoom out a bit. Japan remains one of Vietnam Airlines’ top-performing international markets, with an impressive annual growth rate of about 20%. Reestablishing the Osaka–Da Nang route means:
- 4 direct flights per week (Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday)
- Combined with the Narita–Da Nang route, it pushes weekly Japan–Da Nang flights to 11.
This isn’t just great news for tourists — it’s a win-win for cultural exchange, business development, and regional tourism.
What Da Nang Is Doing Right
We caught up with Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai An, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, and here’s what she had to say:
“Reopening direct flights makes it easier to exchange visitors between Da Nang and major Japanese cities. We’ve ramped up our tourism promotions in Japan through roadshows in Tokyo and Osaka, joined Vietnam-themed events like Tourism Expo Japan, and hosted plenty of Japanese travel agencies, media, and influencers to get a real taste of Da Nang.”
Her team’s strategy is working — in the first half of 2025 alone, over 108,000 Japanese visitors stayed in Da Nang. That’s 4.16% of all international guests, and a significant improvement over last year.
What This Means for Travelers Like You
Whether you’re a fan of sushi or banh mi, cherry blossoms or golden beaches, this renewed connection between Osaka and Da Nang opens up fantastic opportunities. Convenience, culture, and the chance to explore another world just a few hours away — what’s not to love?
Here’s Why You Should Be Excited:
- Japan is closer than ever for travelers in Central Vietnam.
- Japanese tourists can now fly straight to Da Nang’s rich history, stunning coastline, and friendly locals.
- Travel agencies have more options to create uniquely curated tours between the two destinations.
- New packages and promotional deals are likely on the horizon!
Final Thoughts
The sky’s the limit (literally!) when it comes to connecting people, stories, and cultures. The resumption of this flight is more than a route — it’s a beautiful reminder of how travel brings us closer, faster, and better than ever before.
So, if Osaka or Da Nang is on your bucket list, consider this your sign to pack your bags and go.
Fly safe, stay curious — and see you in Da Nang!
Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Helping dreams take off ✈️