Hanoi (VNA) - In the first eight months of 2025, Vietnam’s aviation sector recorded double-digit growth in both passenger and cargo volumes compared to the same period last year, mainly driven by the expansion of international routes and increased frequency of domestic flights.
Apart from launching new international routes, Vietnam’s aviation market is expected to see the entry of new carriers later this year, along with fleet expansions as airlines compete to capture greater market share.
Double-digit growth
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), airlines operating in Vietnam carried 7.7 million passengers and 135,100 tonnes of cargo in August alone, up 10.9% and 17.5% year-on-year, respectively. Of this total, Vietnamese airlines transported 5.4 million passengers and nearly 39,100 tonnes of cargo, marking respective increases of 8.8% and 6.4% compared to August 2024.
In the first eight months, Vietnam’s aviation market recorded a total of 56.9 million passengers and 972,900 tonnes of cargo, representing yearly increases of 10.9% and 17.5%, respectively. Of the total, 39 million passengers flew with Vietnamese airlines, up 8.8% year-on-year, with 26 million travelling domestically, and 13 million internationally.
Vietnam currently has 14 commercial and specialised airlines operating a total of 254 aircraft, with the fleet expected to expand to around 400 modern planes by 2030. The country’s air network is also expanding rapidly, comprising 52 domestic routes and 211 international routes.
Vietnam Airlines, whose international routes generate the majority of its revenue, has recently launched new services to Beijing, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Busan, and Milan, while resuming routes to Bali, Osaka, and Moscow. In December this year, the carrier is set to inaugurate its first direct flight between Vietnam and Denmark. All of these routes hold strategic economic and political importance.
Vietnam Airlines has made a strong recovery in its international network, both in route numbers and operational performance. The national flag carrier has added 13 new international routes, bringing the total to 69 routes connecting 37 destinations in 21 countries — the fastest expansion since before the COVID-19 pandemic. International services now account for 60% of the airline’s total transport revenue.
Dang Anh Tuan, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines, stressed that the continuous expansion of international routes is a strategic move by the airline, contributing directly to Vietnam’s goal of welcoming 22–23 million international visitors in 2025.
Following its restructuring phase, Bamboo Airways has focused on short-haul routes with flexible frequencies, such as Bangkok, Taipei (China), and Seoul.
Meanwhile, Vietravel Airlines is expanding its charter flight partnerships to serve premium tour packages to the Republic of Korea (RoK), Japan, and Thailand. Vietjet Air continues to strengthen its presence in the Indian market, operating multiple routes connecting Vietnam with major cities such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Chengdu (China).
Conversely, popular Vietnamese tourist destinations such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc remain highly favoured by international travelers. Airlines plan to increase flight frequencies and launch new international routes to these destinations to enhance two-way operations, improve fleet efficiency, and stimulate tourism demand.
Competition to expand market share
To attract more international travelers, Vietnam Airlines has been actively working with local authorities and the tourism sector to promote Vietnam’s image in key global markets. The carrier is also expanding its partnerships with other airlines to increase market share and improve its competitiveness in the international aviation market.
At the same time, the national flag carrier has launched various international fare promotions for both inbound and outbound flights.
The airline’s flexible pricing policy tailored to each market and travel period allows passengers to easily choose journeys that fit their plans and budgets, Tuan said.
In addition, Vietnam’s aviation market is expected to see new entrants such as Sun PhuQuoc Airways later this year, along with Vietravel Airlines expanding its fleet to capture a larger share of both passenger and cargo transport markets.
In early August, Vietravel Airlines welcomed an additional Airbus A320 aircraft. By the end of the year, the airline aims to expand its fleet to at least 10 aircraft, focusing on a unified Airbus A321/A320 fleet, activating strategic routes, and preparing to expand into international markets. By 2030, the carrier targets a fleet of 30 to 50 aircraft, covering destinations across Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and the Middle East.
On August 10, Sun Phu Quoc Airways received its first Airbus A321NX aircraft — the first of eight planes the airline plans to operate in 2025. Ticket sales are expected to begin in October 2025, with the first commercial flight scheduled for November 2025.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways will connect Phu Quoc island – the “pearl island” of Vietnam with major domestic economic and tourism hubs such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and other key cities.
For the international market, the airline aims to link Phu Quoc with major cities and tourism centres across Asia, including destinations in Japan, the RoK, China, and other potential markets in the region. It also plans to explore promising yet underserved markets with no direct routes, such as Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East./.
