Vietnam aviation sector gains altitude as international travel rebounds
VOV.VN - International passenger traffic continued to power Vietnam's aviation market in the first seven months of 2026, with authorities projecting strong growth for the remainder of the year as airlines expand overseas routes and airport infrastructure continues to improve.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), more than 76 million passengers passed through the country's airports between January and July, up 7% from the same period last year.
International travel was the strongest growth driver, reaching nearly 30 million passengers, an increase of more than 11% year on year, almost three times the growth rate of domestic travel. Domestic passenger traffic exceeded 46 million, up more than 4%.
Vietnamese airlines carried nearly 35 million passengers during the seven-month period, an increase of more than 3% year on year. International passengers accounted for more than 11 million, up 1%, while domestic passengers exceeded 23 million, rising more than 4%.
Air cargo transported by Vietnamese airlines reached nearly 267,000 metric tons, up 0.4% from a year earlier.
Summer travel sustains momentum
Passenger demand stayed strong in July, traditionally one of the busiest travel months, helping airlines increase capacity on popular domestic and international routes.
More than 11 million passengers traveled through Vietnamese airports during the month, up more than 3% from June. International passenger traffic approached 4 million, rising 2%, while domestic traffic exceeded 7 million, up more than 4%.
Vietnamese carriers transported more than 5 million passengers in July, including nearly 4 million domestic travelers and over 1 million international passengers.
Air cargo volume hit more than 162,000 tonnes, representing an increase of around 2% compared with the previous month.
The CAAV said robust summer travel demand has enabled airlines to increase capacity, particularly on tourism-focused routes and during peak travel periods.
International expansion supports long-term growth
The CAAV expects Vietnam's aviation sector to serve approximately 94 million passengers and handle 1.6 million tonnes of cargo in 2026, representing year-on-year increases of 13% and 9.3%, respectively.
To support these targets, aviation authorities plan to optimise runway scheduling, improve airport operational efficiency and strengthen oversight of airline operations to maintain aviation safety.
The regulator will also assist airlines in expanding their fleets and increasing capacity, particularly during peak travel seasons.
Internationally, the CAAV will continue working with foreign aviation authorities to facilitate additional international routes while closely monitoring global economic conditions, geopolitical developments and fuel price fluctuations that could affect the aviation market.
Infrastructure development is another priority. Authorities are accelerating major airport planning and construction projects, preparing to reopen Lien Khuong Airport and Ca Mau Airport following upgrades.
They are advancing preparations for the future operation of Long Thanh International Airport and Quang Tri Airport, which are expected to enhance Vietnam's long-term aviation capacity and support continued market growth.
Aviation sector tightens controls against SAT1 foot-and-mouth disease virus
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