The number of passengers transported by air in 2024 is expected to reach 78.3 million, a year-on-year increase of 7.7%, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV).

The international market is forecast to fully recover this year with an estimated 43.5 million foreign travellers, up 33.4% year-on-year and 4.3% compared to the period before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The domestic market, however, is predicted to drop slightly this year in spite of its recovery from 2023 as a result of weak demand and the shortage of planes.

In the first five months of the year, the number of passengers reached 38.1 million, up 6.7% year-on-year.

Of which, there were 21.1 million international passengers, surging 44.3% compared to 2023.

Meanwhile, there were 17 million domestic travellers, down 19.4% year-on-year.

High price for air transport is considered one of key reasons behind the decline of the domestic market, according to experts. The price was estimated to soar 15-17% year-on-year in the first four months of the year.