Vietnam's aviation industry soars back to pre-pandemic levels

As Vietnam emerges from the shadows of the Covid-19 pandemic, the air transport sector has shown remarkable resilience and growth, surpassing pre-pandemic passenger levels.

According to recent data from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), the first quarter of 2025 saw a total of over 20.7 million passengers flying, up 9.2% year-on-year.

Notably, domestic travel accounted for over nine million passengers, a rise of 5.4%, while international travel surged to over 11.7 million, a robust 12.3% increase.

This resurgence in air travel signifies a complete recovery for Vietnam’s aviation industry, which had been heavily impacted during the pandemic.

The figures not only reflect a return to pre-Covid activity, but also demonstrate a growth trend, with international passenger numbers increasing by 11% and domestic numbers by 5.8% compared to 2019 levels.

During the peak travel season for Lunar New Year holiday (Tet), from January 14 to February 12, the market saw approximately 7.3 million passengers, up 11.7% from the previous year.

Similarly, cargo transport totalled 329,000 tons, reflecting a 12.4% increase from the same period last year. This includes over 60,000 tons for domestic transport, which rose by 2.8%, and 269,000 tons for international transport, marking a significant 14.8% over last year.

The CAAV has praised this growth, emphasizing that it comes despite ongoing challenges, such as a shortage of aircraft among Vietnamese airlines.

Major airports, including Noi Bai, Da Nang and Tan Son Nhat, have experienced significant increases in passenger volume and cargo traffic.

The Tan Son Nhat International Airport recorded a daily high of over 1,000 flights without any congestion, ensuring smooth operations and safety.

To manage the growing demand, the CAAV held meetings with airlines to coordinate flight slots and optimise operations. It has focused on ensuring efficient flight scheduling, especially during peak periods like Tet with the proactive approach aiming to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience.

Looking ahead to the next few months, the CAAV has outlined several strategic priorities. These include finalizing the legal framework for the civil aviation sector and expediting the operational readiness of Long Thanh International Airport.

The completion of the Long Thanh International Airport is particularly crucial, as it is expected to alleviate congestion at existing airports and accommodate future growth in passenger traffic.