Hanoi, Dec. 25 -- Vietnam Airlines (VNA) has launched its first direct flights connecting Ho Chi Minh City to northern Dien Bien province, strengthening air connectivity between the country's largest economic hub and the Northwestern region. The national carrier's inaugural flight VN1160 departed from Tan Son Nhat International Airport at 9.35 on December 24 and arrived at Dien Bien Airport at 11.55, carrying nearly 100 passengers. The route is operated by Airbus A321 aircrafts with two flights per week and a flight time of about two hours and 20 minutes. Passengers can also connect from Dien Bien to the capital city of Hanoi via daily flights. Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines Dang Anh Tuan said the new route is an important st...