Vladivostok Air, the largest carrier in the Russian Far East, has launched two new routes from Vladivostok and Khabarovsk to Cam Ranh — a town not far from the famous resort town of Nha Trang.

The first commercial Vladivostok flight landed at Cam Ranh International Airport in the central province of Khanh Hoa on December 15.

Meanwhile, two similar flights were launched between Khabarov and Cam Ranh a day later.

Vladivostok Air said 14 flights will be operated on the two routes from mid-December through to March, with two flights every two weeks.

The routes are meant to attract Russian tourists looking to escape severe winters in the Far East.

Khanh Hoa boasts warm weather and sunny beaches.

Cam Ranh Airport authorities have committed to halve landing fees and other costs for Vladivostok Air.

Nearly 10 four- and five-star hotels and resorts in Nha Trang have also agreed to reduce their prices by between 20-50 percent for Russian tourists flying to the town on the new routes.

Cam Ranh Airport became an international airport in December 2009 and has recorded an average annual passenger growth rate of 21 percent, the highest in Vietnam.