National carrier Vietnam Airlines will launch direct flights from Hanoi to the southwestern Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung on June 17.

The carrier will fly three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays using Airbus A321 aircraft.

The Hanoi-Kaohsiung flight will take two and a half hours.

It will be the fourth direct route between Vietnam and Taiwan, and the 46th international route of Vietnam Airlines.

Currently, Vietnam Airlines operates direct flights to Taiwan between Hanoi and Taipei, Hanoi and Taichung, and Ho Chi Minh City and Kaohsiung.

On the occasion of the opening, the carrier is offering a 30 percent discount on 1,400 seats for journeys between June 17 and July 17. The reservations must be made by June 30 for the discount.