Jakarta, June 1 -- National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines on June 1 inaugurated a direct flight route between Ho Chi Minh City and Denpasar (DPS) - tourism capital of Bali, Indonesia, marking a strategic step to expand its Southeast Asian network.

The new route, the airline's second direct connection to Indonesia after its Ho Chi Minh City-Jakarta service, responds to growing travel demand between the two nations.

The inaugural flight, VN641, carried 161 passengers and touched down at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport at 3 pm after 4 hours and 35 minutes. Passengers were greeted with souvenirs upon arrival.

At the launch ceremony, Vietnamess Ambassador to Indonesia Ta Van Thong described the route as a symbol of increasing connec...