The first-ever charter flight carrying Vietnamese tourists to the Indian city of Gaya departed from Noi Bai International Airport at 13:35 p.m. and landed at Gaya Airport in the northeast of India at 15:50 p.m. on February 28.
Flight numbered 6E8610 was put on by Huong Giang Aviation Company in collaboration with Indigo Airlines, India's largest airline, after nearly two years of being suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
India Ambassador to Vietnam Pranay Verma expressed his wish that with this year being a special year, marking the 50th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, India plans to further promote people-to-people exchanges and launch new tours for Vietnamese tourists.
The Indian diplomat went on to outline his hope that many charter flights will be resumed in the future.
Upon landing, Vietnamese tourists had the opportunity to visit several famous Buddhist destinations in India such as Bodh Gaya (Bodhidharma), the Vietnamese Buddhist Temple, the Nalanda University Institute, and the Sarnath Garden.
Ngo Minh Thien, representative of Huong Giang Aviation Company, said the closed tour has helped tourists explore a number of tourist attractions in India, save travel time and costs, whilst ensuring health and safety for them.
This programme is suitable for all visitors, especially the elderly who are keen to join in pilgrimages to the land of Buddha.
Moving forward both Huong Giang Aviation Company and Indigo Airlines will continue to organise similar flights aimed at serving Vietnamese tourists when international routes are officially restored after March 15.