Vietnam’s aviation market is experiencing a strong recovery, providing a major boost to the country’s tourism sector as travel demand continues to rise. However, mounting fuel costs, infrastructure congestion, and global geopolitical uncertainties are increasing pressure on the industry to restructure for greater sustainability and resilience.
Speaking at a recent forum on stimulating aviation and tourism demand, Mr. Uong Viet Dung, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, said around 80% of international visitors to Vietnam arrive by air, while tourists account for approximately 70% of total passenger traffic carried by airlines. The figures underscore the increasingly close and mutually reinforcing relationship between aviation and tourism in Vietnam’s economic growth.
Vietnam’s air transport market served more than 83.6 million passengers in 2025, up 10.8% from the previous year, including 46.9 million international travelers. The country also welcomed a record 21.5 million foreign visitors, with over 84% arriving by air.
Growth has continued into 2026, with passenger numbers rising 16.4% year-on-year in the first quarter. However, the sector faces significant headwinds. Rising tensions in the Middle East caused jet fuel prices to surge by more than 100% in April, forcing Vietnamese airlines to cut nearly 5,000 flights compared with the previous month.
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