The Ministry of Transport has requested the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) to direct Vietnamese airlines to open new international and domestic routes to Can Tho city, the heart of Mekong Delta.
Can Tho is Mekong Delta's tourism, agricultural, and industrial production hub, with significant economic, cultural and social influence, serving as the gateway to the lower Mekong region. It is also one of five centrally managed cities in Vietnam, together with Hanoi, Hai Phong, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Increased flights to Can Tho International Airport will effectively integrate aviation with tourism in the delta, in line with the Prime Minister's 2019 project to "strengthen aviation connectivity with tourist markets," the ministry stated.
A proposal on new routes to Can Tho must be submitted by CAAV to the ministry within June.
"The CAAV needs to encourage airlines to deploy favorable pricing policies on routes operating to/from Can Tho, as well as prioritize slot confirmation for aircraft traveling to/from Can Tho airport."
The ministry also assigned Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) to ensure Can Tho airport's 24/7 operation so that it could receive international flights during evening hours.
"Authorities should organize workshops on promoting tourism to the city and other provinces in the region," it added.
The document was also sent to Vietnamese carriers Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietravel Airlines.
Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways are scheduled to operate seven routes between Can Tho and Hanoi, Danang, Hai Phong, Vinh, Thanh Hoa, Phu Quoc and Con Dao, with a frequency of 125 flights per week (from 16-18 flights per day) from March 27 to October 29, according to CAAV.
Besides aviation, the government has been focusing on the development of roads, waterways, and maritime transport infrastructure in Mekong Delta to synchronize and modernize its transport system.
These moves are in line with the government’s orientation of socio-economic development and maintenance of security and defense of the Mekong Delta region until 2030, with a vision to 2045.