Impressive Growth: Surpassing 84 Million Passengers by 2025
According to the Vietnam Aviation Authority, in the first 11 months of 2025, the total air transport market reached 69.3 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of cargo, increasing by 10.8% and 18.5% respectively compared to the same period in 2024. Domestic transportation accounted for 30.9 million passengers, up by 7.4%, while international transportation recorded 38.4 million passengers, a significant rise of 13.6%.
Bustling air traffic at Noi Bai International Airport in 2025. Photo: Phan Cong
The Aviation Authority anticipates that by the end of 2025, the industry will achieve approximately 84 million passengers and 1.4 million tons of cargo, representing increases of 11.4% and 18% respectively compared to the previous year.
Uong Viet Dung, Director of the Vietnam Aviation Authority, stated, “The rising demand for air travel, coupled with effective international cooperation in aviation operations, has facilitated the recovery and growth of airlines.”
2026: A Breakthrough Year for Vietnamese Aviation
Forecasts for 2026 indicate that the aviation sector will maintain its recovery momentum and achieve significant breakthroughs, driven by new growth catalysts. The Aviation Authority aims to reach 95 million passengers and 1.6 million tons of cargo, reflecting increases of 13% and 15% respectively compared to 2025.
The primary growth driver is the macroeconomic environment. The National Assembly’s approval of a GDP growth target of 10% or higher in 2026 is expected to significantly boost consumption and tourism, both of which are directly linked to aviation.
Additionally, the implementation of the new Civil Aviation Law and supportive policies will create a more favorable legal framework for air transport. Strategic infrastructure projects, such as Phase 1 of Long Thanh Airport and the accelerated development of Gia Binh and Phu Quoc airports, are anticipated to enhance the industry’s operational capacity.
Need for Incentive Policies and Infrastructure Investment to Ensure Long-Term Development
The Aviation Authority emphasizes that to achieve these goals, existing bottlenecks in infrastructure and policy mechanisms must be promptly addressed. Specifically, it recommends that the Ministry of Construction and relevant authorities consider investing in the expansion of key international airports to prevent prolonged congestion, which increases logistics costs and hinders growth.
Furthermore, the Authority proposes tax incentives, fee reductions, and favorable credit interest rates to support the restructuring of aviation enterprises. These measures will help airlines strengthen their financial capabilities, thereby fostering sustainable recovery and development.
On the market front, expanding visa and residency policies and formulating national tourism attraction strategies will be crucial in increasing international passenger numbers, a key segment for the industry’s recovery.
Remaining Vigilant Against Global Risks
Alongside these optimistic projections, the Aviation Authority cautions about potential risks that could impact operations, such as armed conflicts, fuel price fluctuations, exchange rate volatility, and international interest rates. Geopolitical and global trade factors will remain significant variables requiring close monitoring in policy formulation and adjustments.
Global Port Giants Compete for Lien Chieu Port Project Tender
Three of the world’s leading port conglomerates are set to bid on the Lien Chieu Port project, with the tender expected to open by the end of December.
Long Thanh International Airport to Operate in Two Phases
Long Thành International Airport is set to commence operations in two distinct phases. The initial phase, slated for December 2025, will focus on technical flights to thoroughly test and evaluate the entire infrastructure before full-scale operations begin. The subsequent phase, starting in June 2026, will mark the official launch of commercial flights at Long Thành, ushering in a new era of air travel connectivity.
$16 Billion Project Sets Record with 8 Prime Ministerial Visits in 3 Years: Key Milestone Officially Completed
Dong Nai Power Company has successfully energized the second transformer unit of the 110kV substation (Phase 2) at Long Thanh Airport, marking a critical milestone in securing power supply for this nationally significant aviation project.
Vietravel to Fully Withdraw Capital from Vietravel Airlines
Nguyễn Quốc Kỳ, the founder of Vietravel Airlines, has stepped down from the airline’s Board of Directors as of April 2025.
Q3 2025 Aviation Outlook: Airline Growth Stalls, Services Diverge Sharply
The Vietnamese aviation market in Q3/2025 concluded with contrasting business results among different enterprise groups. ACV reported a significant profit surge, driven by a wave of international passengers, while airlines faced declining profits. The inauguration of Terminal 3 at Tan Son Nhat Airport has reshaped the aviation service landscape.
