Airports around Vietnam served nearly 57 million passengers in the first half of this year, a year-on-year increase of 22.9 per cent, according to the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV).

International passengers totaled 14.5 million, up 493.5 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the volume of goods passing through airports fell 20.8 per cent year-on-year, to 576,467 tons. Airports handled 407,095 tons of international cargo, down 30 per cent.

The ACV said the figures show that the aviation market is recovering well, especially in the number of foreign passengers. Growth was attributed to Vietnam’s policies on attracting international visitors and the reopening policies of other countries.

Vietnam’s National Assembly recently decided to extend the duration of electronic visas (e-visas) from 30 days to 90 days, valid for multiple entries. The duration of visas for temporary stays issued at border gates to those in the visa exemption category will increase from 15 days to 45 days.