Society

Aviation sector strives to attract int’l travelers back to Vietnam

International tourists arriving in Vietnam by air account for the majority of inbound travel, thanks to the combined efforts of the aviation and tourism sectors, often referred to as the "dual wings" of economic development.

01 Kong skull island studio Ninh Binh.jpg
Tourists visit Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh province (Photo: Vietnam+)

Hanoi (VNA) - According to the General Statistics Office, Vietnam welcomed over 12.7 million international visitors in the first nine months of 2024, a 43% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The Republic of Korea led the way with 3.3 million visitors, followed by China with 2.7 million, together accounting for 47.8% of total arrivals. Taiwan, the US, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, India, Cambodia, and Thailand rounded out the top 10 markets.

Aviation played a crucial role, with nearly 10.8 million international visitors arriving by air, accounting for 84.9% of total international arrivals, marking a 38.7% increase from the previous year.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong highlighted the aviation sector's vital contribution to post-pandemic tourism recovery, emphasising that air travel remains the dominant mode of arrival for international visitors.

“The role of carriers in the (tourism sector’s) post-pandemic recovery is undeniable. Statistics show that visitors travelling to Vietnam via airlines account for the vast majority compared to other means of transportation,” he said.

02 visitors at Noi Bai Internationa Airport.jpg
Foreign visitors go through immigration procedure at Noi Bai international airport. (Photo: Vietnam+)

Despite significant progress, Vietnam’s tourism arrivals remain below potential. In 2023, Vietnam welcomed 12.6 million international visitors, ranking fourth in Southeast Asia, trailing Malaysia (29 million), Thailand (28 million), and Singapore (13.6 million).

Vietnam Airlines Chairman Dang Ngoc Hoa acknowledged the challenges, emphasising that the aviation sector is key to expanding Vietnam’s global reach. He noted that the Asia-Pacific region is expected to lead global economic growth, with aviation traffic in the region projected to grow 5.3% annually, surpassing the global average of 3.8%. By 2040, the region could account for over 60% of global passenger growth, and Vietnam’s aviation market is expected to triple, reaching approximately 200 million passengers annually.

Hoa stressed the need for Vietnam Airlines to maintain its competitive edge amid fierce competition from domestic and international carriers. The national flag carrier is focusing on digital transformation and ensuring safety to secure its position as a leader in Vietnam's aviation industry.

03 Vietnam Airlines.jpg
Vietnam Airlines actively promotes its brand at tourism fairs both at home and abroad. (Photo: Vietnam+)

In response to government directives, Vietnam Airlines has developed a comprehensive restructuring plan to overcome challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hoa expressed hope for swift approval of the plan so that the airline can implement necessary measures for long-term growth.

Despite difficulties, Vietnam Airlines continues to expand its global network, with plans to launch routes to Italy, Denmark, and Canada by 2025./.

#Vietnam's aviation sector #international tourists arriving in Vietnam by air
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Vietjet launches Nha Trang - Daegu air route

Vietjet launches Nha Trang - Daegu air route

Vietjet Air has just launched an air route, connecting the coastal city of Nha Trang in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa and Daegu city in the Republic of Korea, with seven return flights per week.

See more

Cultural activities are held at the 2026 Vietnamese Language Summer Camp in Klinok village on the outskirts of Minsk, Belarus. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese language preserved across globe

In the new context, Politburo Resolution No. 23-NQ/TW, dated August 2, 2026, continues to place the preservation of the Vietnamese language within the strategic vision of mobilising resources from the Vietnamese community abroad and promoting Vietnamese cultural values around the world.

Overseas Vietnamese teachers participating in the 2026 training course on Vietnamese language teaching methods (Photo published VNA)

Leveraging overseas Vietnamese resources for Vietnam-France ties

As Vietnam enters a new era of prosperous and harmonious development, top leader To Lam's official visit to France will significantly contribute to the special dynamics of bilateral relations while fostering shared commitments to international peace, security, and stability.

Ambassador Nguyen Huong Tra briefs representatives of the Vietnamese communities in Belgium and Luxembourg on the country's situation. (Photo: VNA)

Overseas Vietnamese ready to contribute to national transformation

Affirming that overseas Vietnamese are an integral part of the nation and partners in its development and creation, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and Head of the Vietnamese Mission to the European Union (EU) Nguyen Huong Tra pledged to listen to them openly and responsibly, and convey their recommendations to authorities at home.

The operation to remove the bomb is carried out cautiously and meticulously by military forces. (Photo: VNA)

Phu Tho: 200kg bomb safely relocated, detonated

According to a report by the Phu Tho Military Command, local residents spotted the bomb on August 31 in the Da River after the river water receded, exposing it beneath mud and soil on the riverbed. The bomb remained intact, including its fuse, and was located about 300m from a residential area.

Quang Ninh's seaport infrastructure, including the Ha Long International Cruise Port, is capable of serving large cruise ships. (Photo: VNA)

Quang Ninh 2030: Ambitious targets for a breakthrough

These objectives reflect the principle that economic development must not become detached from living standards; rather, the benefits of growth should create opportunities for all residents to share in its achievements.

A police officer guides a citizen on how to use VNeID app. (Photo: VNA)

Shift to data-driven administrative procedures needs acceleration

Under a draft decree replacing Decree 63, authorities will have to proactively pull information from databases and records for informational or technical procedures. Applicants would no longer be required to resubmit documents, and certification or information requests could not be turned into discretionary licensing through an “ask – give” mechanism.

Cuban journalist Luis Manuel Arce Isaac, author of the article published in Mexico’s Voces del Periodista magazine. (Photo: Screenshot/VNA)

Mexican journalist praises Vietnam’s profound transformation

According to the article, Vietnam’s progress over the past decades has turned President Ho Chi Minh’s aspiration for a country that would be more dignified and more beautiful into reality in ways that have far exceeded what was initially envisioned.

The Liaison Board of the Vietnamese Community in Singapore organises the annual Mid-Autumn Festival to strengthen community bonds and spread Vietnamese language and culture. (Photo: VNA)

Continued efforts made to nurture love for homeland through mother tongue

From language classrooms and community activities to digital platforms, Vietnamese is being preserved through increasingly diverse approaches. More than a means of communication, the mother tongue carries memories, culture and affection for the homeland. Ensuring that Vietnamese remains naturally present in the daily lives of overseas Vietnamese is therefore an important way to nurture their lasting bond with the Fatherland.

Deputy General Director of the Vietnam News Agency Doan Thi Tuyet Nhung (fifth, right) and representatives of regional news agencies and media organisations attend the launch of the Asia-Pacific Media Partnership Organising Committee at the Asia-Pacific Media Forum. (Photo: VNA)

VNA attends Asia-Pacific Media Forum in Shenzhen

Participants in the forum highlighted the need to increase coverage of the region's rapid opening-up and integration, provide comprehensive information on the progress and achievements of cooperation among economies across various fields, and help create a favourable environment for regional development.