The strong growth of Vietnam Aviation Industry in Q1/2025

In the first quarter of 2025, the air transportation sector recovered beyond pre-pandemic levels, reaching over 20.7 million passengers. Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam is accelerating preparations for the phased operation of Long Thanh Airport in its first stage…
Air transportation activities continued to maintain a positive growth momentum in Q1/2025, despite numerous ongoing challenges such as the prolonged shortage of aircraft.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, the total transport volume in the quarter exceeded 20.7 million passengers, an increase of 9.2% compared to the same period last year. Of these, the domestic market recorded over 9 million passengers, up 5.4%, while the international market surpassed 11.7 million passengers, up 12.3%.

Additionally, cargo transport also saw significant growth, with 329,000 tons transported, an increase of 12.4% year-on-year. Of this, the international market contributed 269,000 tons (up 14.8%), and the domestic market did more than 60,000 tons (up 2.8%).
Compared to the pre-Covid-19 pandemic period (2019), Vietnam’s air transportation has fully recovered and even surpassed previous levels, with international market growth at 11% and domestic growth at 5.8%.



Notably, during the peak Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) Festival of Ất Tỵ (from January 14 to February 12, 2024, or the 15th day of the 12th lunar month to the 15th day of the first lunar month), the air travel market served nearly 7.3 million passengers, an increase of 11.7% compared to the same period last year.
This positive outcome comes amid ongoing challenges such as the fleet of domestic airlines still not being replenished promptly due to the ongoing disruptions in the global supply chain post-Covid-19.

Key airports like Nội Bài, Đà Nẵng, and Tân Sơn Nhất all recorded double-digit growth in passengers, cargo, and flight frequencies. Particularly, Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport experienced a peak day with over 1,000 flights, yet the entire operation chain continued smoothly, ensuring absolute safety and avoiding congestion.

Alongside operational activities, efforts to promote aviation legislation and infrastructure development have also been advancing. Following directives from the Government and the Ministry of Construction, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has completed the policy dossier for the draft of the Vietnam Civil Aviation Law (replacement law), submitting it to the Ministry of Construction and proceeding with further steps upon parliamentary approval.



Moreover, the Minister of Construction signed Decision No. 347/QĐ-BXD, approving adjustments to the general planning of the national airport system for the period 2021–2030, with a vision towards 2050, laying a crucial foundation for the long-term development of the airport network.

Particularly, for Component Project 4 – the construction of Long Thanh International Airport in its first phase – the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has established a task force to facilitate the procedures for operationalizing the airport; they are also collaborating with Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) on detailed plans, schedules, and procedures to ensure timely operation as planned. The agency is actively urging investors to adhere to the approved schedule and complete the project by December 31, 2025, in accordance with directives from the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Construction.
 
In slot coordination activities, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has organized meetings with airlines to identify and effectively manage the Y and N slot code chains, deploy monitoring of operational activities, and update ticket sales and reservation statuses during peak periods such as the Lunar New Year (Tet), April 30th – May 1st holidays, and Summer 2025. Notably, the authority is also developing a dedicated slot coordination plan for Long Thanh International Airport, preparing for the commercial operation phase.



In the field of aviation safety, the Civil Aviation Authority has strengthened inspections at high-traffic airports such as Nội Bài, Tân Sơn Nhất, Đà Nẵng, Cam Ranh, Phú Quốc, Vinh, and Côn Sơn.

Simultaneously, it has organized meetings of the Aviation Safety Risk Assessment Council to develop the draft of the new National Safety Program in accordance with ICAO standards, evaluate plans to address recommendations from ICAO, and review the establishment of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Agency. The authority has also issued thematic directives to enhance safety during the peak Lunar New Year (Ất Tỵ) 2025 period.

Furthermore, administrative reform, digital transformation, and e-governance continue to be promoted. In Q1, the Civil Aviation Authority processed 98% of administrative procedures on time and achieved a 98% digitization rate for results. Citizen reception, legal dissemination, response to feedback, and posting of internal regulations were all carried out according to regulations; notably, in Q1/2025, no cases of citizens lodging complaints or feedback directly at the Authority’s headquarters were recorded.