Vietnam air transport experiences booming times

Vietnam easier entry requirements fuel international demand

This surge results from the country’s strong economic performance and growing appeal as a travel destination. Visa simplification for countries and the opening of new international routes stimulate demand.

Vietnam is still perceived as one of the last frontiers in Asia for foreign travelers, gaining market shares over its competitors, notably Thailand. With 22 to 23 million foreign travelers expected in 2025, Vietnam is becoming the third largest destination in Southeast Asia, just behind Malaysia and Thailand.

Last year, Vietnam airports accommodated 109 million passengers, slightly behind pre-pandemic levels. Passengers’ traffic was down by 3% compared to 2023, due to a 15% drop in domestic numbers. However, international passengers traffic surged by 26% last year. Data from Vietnam National Statistics Office highlights that airlines transported 54.2 million passengers in 2024, of which 19.7 million were on international flights.

Enhanced dynamic on routes to Asia

According to IATA, 7 of the top-10 international markets for travel to Vietnam more than doubled from 2014 to 2024.

As an example, traffic from India grew tenfold during this period. The simplification of visa processes and the increase in direct flights – particularly between New Delhi and Mumbai in India and Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in Vietnam – have boosted tourism. Traffic from the Republic of Korea also expanded significantly, rising more than five times in the past decade. South Korea is by far the largest source of international arrivals for Vietnam. It represents more than twice that of China PR, and the second largest source of foreign direct investment in 2024.

The 107% growth in domestic traffic in Vietnam, however, lags the 150% growth in international traffic from 2014 to 2024. Domestic traffic in 2024 stood 24% below that in 2022 when domestic travel recovery was in full swing post-pandemic.

IATA explains that Vietnamese carriers have faced capacity constraints. With aircraft grounded due to engine issues, airlines redeployed capacity to the fast-growing international segment.

In the first half of 2025, passengers traffic at airports reached 59.7 million, a 9.1% increase year-on-year. International passengers rose by 12.9% to 22.9 million. Domestic passengers traffic resumed its growth, up by 6.9% to 36.8 million.

List of new international routes between May 2025 and December 2025