The central city, in co-operation with Qatar Airways, plans to launch a direct flight connecting Da Nang and Doha City in the Middle East later this year, a source from the city’s tourism department confirmed, saying that the two sides have been in negotiations to open the newest air route soon.

It will be the only direct flight from central Viet Nam to Qatar and the Middle East region, the source said.

The city expected that the new air route would help promote trade, investment and tourism between the central region and the Middle East in the coming years.

Tourists often take flights from Doha to Da Nang via Noi Bai International Airport in Ha Noi on a Qatar Airways flight, with travelling time of 16 hours and 25 minutes, or via Hong Kong International Airport on a Cathay Pacific flight with travel time of 20 hours and 55 minutes.

Da Nang could promote tour exchanges between Doha and other localities, including UNESCO-recognised world heritages Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Hue City, Hoi An and My Son in central Viet Nam.

The central city has been seen as a favourite destination in central Viet Nam for budget airlines operating direct flights in recent years.

Da Nang connects 21 international flights each day.

According to commercial counsellor of the Viet Nam Embassy in the United Arab Emirates, Pham Van Nghia, businesses from Viet Nam know little about Dubai and the Middle East market.

In 2016, only 50 Vietnamese businesses joined the Vietnamese goods promotion week in Dubai. Only the Lotus brand rice and dragon fruits were seen as successful Vietnamese products in Dubai. — VNS